//:, 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

GIFT  OF 

James  R.  K.  Kanter 


CAPTAIN  MILAN  C.  EDSON. 


SOLARIS  FARM; 

A  STORY  OF  THE  TWENTIETH  CENTURY, 


BY 


MILAN     C.     EDSON 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHOR 

AT 


1728    New   Jersey    Ave.,  N.    W.,    Washington,    D.    C. 
IN  THE  YEAR  1900. 


PRB,SS  WORK  BY  BYRON  S. 


COPYRKiHT,    1900 

BY  MILAN  0.  EDSON. 
ALL  RIGHTS  RESERVED. 


LOAN  STACK 
GIFT 


DEDICATION. 

This  book,  is  dedicated  to  the  sons  and  daughters 
of  the  farms  of  the  Republic  as  an  expression  of  the 
author's  realization,  that  Agricultural  people  con 
stitute  a  large  majority  of  its  working  units  :  That 
as  such,  its  destiny  is  in  the  hands  of  their  boys  and 
girls,  as  its  future  guardians,  fathers  and  mothers : 
That  for  the  reasons  stated,  they  should  become  its 
dominant  thinkers  and  leaders :  That  Agriculture 
is  the  true  basis  of  industrial  and  commercial  suc 
cess  ;  hence,  it  should  be  made  the  most  noble  and 
pleasing  of  all  occupations  :  That  the  alarming  en 
croachments  of  land  monopoly,  and  the  inability  of 
the  small  farm  to  meet  the  expense  of  using  the 
latest  and  best  machinery,  threatens  the  total  ex 
tinction  of  all  land-owning  farmers,  and  of  their 
consequent  reduction  to  the  dependent  caste  of  farm 
laborers  :  That  the  isolated  life  and  the  severe  toil 
of  the  small  farm,  has  a  dangerously  depressing 
effect  on  the  minds  of  its  people  :  That  all  of  these 
things,  seem  to  demand  the  changes  suggested  by 
the  contents  of  this  book. 

006 


PREFACE. 

Strong  in  my  convictions  that  all  civilizations  are 
false,  which  do  not  civilize  the  lowest  units  of  any 
social  order,  I  have  written  Solaris  Farm  as  my  con 
tribution  towards  the  improvement  of  agriculturists 
as  a  class,  of  the  race  as  a  whole ;  towards  the  es 
tablishment  of  a  truer  civilization,  organized  for  the 
purpose  of  securing  the  same  degree  of  progress  for 
the  lowest  orders  of  humanity,  which  have  been  or 
can  be  attained  by  the  highest.  In  any  social  or 
political  fabric,  wide  differences  of  wealth,  of  edu 
cation,  of  refinement  in  its  sub-divisions  are  danger 
ous,  they  swiftly  lead  to  the  introduction  of  caste. 
Caste  is  the  dry  rot,  which,  when  once  established, 
will  surely  destroy  all  progress,  all  vitality,  by 
slowly  eating  away  the  social,  industrial  and  political 
life  of  the  nation. 

In  preparing  this  book  for  the  press,  I  wish  to 
acknowledge  my  obligations  to  the  following  authors, 
for  much  valuable  information  and  inspiration  :  To 
Elmer  Gates,  the  discoverer  of  new  domains  in 
Psychology,  the  inventor  and  discoverer  of  the  art 
of  Mentation,  the  founder  of  the  Elmer  Gates  Labo 
ratory,  at  Chevy  Chase,  Maryland  :  To  Henry  George, 
the  author  of  "Progress  and  Poverty  : "  To  Edward 
Bellamy,  the  author  of  "Equality,"  and  "Looking 
Backward : "  And  lastly  to  that  greatest  of  living 


PREFACE. 

Frenchmen,  M.  Godin,  the  author  of  "Social  So 
lutions,"  and  the  founder  of  the  "  Familistere,  "  with 
its  famous  industrial  enterprise,  located  at  the  city 
of  Guise,  France ;  the  grandest  co-operative  success 
of  the  age ! 

A  last  word  to  my  readers  :  Do  you  wish  to  join 
forces  with  the  humanitarians  ?  If  so,  always  strive 
so  to  educate  the  people,  that  they  may  fully  under 
stand  the  true  object  and  purpose  of  human  life; 
and  the  necessity  for  the  upbuilding  of  social,  in 
dustrial  and  political  institutions,  in  harmony  with 
the  demands  of  that  purpose.  This  will  require  un 
selfish,  persistent,  co-operative  effort  and  thought. 
In  no  other  way,  can  you  so  greatly  aid  the  cause  of 
progress. 

MILAN  C.  EDSON. 
No.  1728  N.  J.  Ave.,  N.  W. 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  SEPT.  IST,  1900. 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

1.  A  FARMER'S  SON  WITH  PROGRESSIVE   TENDENCIES 1 

2.  THE  OUTLINES  OF  A  GREAT  PROBLEM 4 

3.  AN  ADVERTISEMENT  INTRODUCES  THE  HEROINE 9 

4.  THE  STORY  OF  A  STONE  AND  WHAT  CAME  AFTER 10 

5.  FAIRY  FERN  COTTAGE 27 

6.  FENNIMORE  FEN  WICK , 34 

7.  AN  ALASKA  KINDERGARTEN 37 

8.  AN  INTERVIEW  WITH  THE    "FAIRIES." 41 

9.  THE  PROBLEM    vs.    A  GOOD    MAN    WHO  Is   AS    RICH   AS 

HE  Is  NOBLE 49 

10.  THE  REAPING  OF  THE  DEATH  ANGEL 53 

11.  THE  MARTINA  MINE 58 

12.  SPIRIT  AND  MORTAL — FATHER  AND  DAUGHTER 61 

13.  QUESTIONS  AND  ANSWERS 63 

14.  THE  ETHICS  OF   PLANETARY  EVOLUTION 71 

15.  THE  CO-OPERATIVE  FARM    AS  A   FACTOR  IN   SOCIAL   EVO 

LUTION.., 75 

16.  FlLLMORE    AND    FERN 87 

17.  SOLARIS  FARM 93 

18.  CLUB  LIFE  AT  SOLARIS 112 

19.  FENWICK  HALL 121 

20.  THE  BEGINNING  OF  A  NEW  ERA 133 

21.  His  WOOING    PROSPERS   WHILE   OUR    HERO  ENJOYS    His 

FIRST  VACATION - 141 

22.  A  SURPRISE  PARTY  AND  RECEPTION  COMBINED 150 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

23.  FORMATION  OF  POPULAR  SCIENCE  CLUBS 160 

24.  A  TWENTIETH  CENTURY  LOVE  LETTER 102 

25.  THE  REPLY 171 

26.  FERN  FENWICK  ARRIVES  AT  SOLARIS 179 

27.  THE  FESTIVAL 185 

28.  THE  ORATION 187 

29.  THE  STORY  OF   GILBERT  GERRISH  ;  OR,  THE  STRENGTH  OF 

THE  WEAKEST  UNIT 216 

30.  OUR  HERO  AND   HEROINE    Discuss    AGRICULTURAL    STA 

TISTICS 227 

31.  THE  DISCUSSION  GROWS  MORE  INTERESTING 248 

32.  SOCIAL  SOLUTIONS 256 

33.  SOLARIS  SCRIP 270 

34.  THE  INSURANCE  OFFERED  BY  CO-OPERATIVE  FARMING 273 

35.  THE  MOTHERS'  CLUB 287 

36.  THE  CO-OPERATIVE  FARM   AS  A    FACTOR    IN  THE    CAPITAL 

AND  LABOR   PROBLEM 299 

37.  THE  CO-OPERATIVE  FARM  TRIUMPHANT 313 

38.  THE  KINDERGARTEN  AT  SOLARIS 327 

39.  AN   UNEXPECTED   VISITOR 346 

40.  THE  COMING  ERA  OF  GOOD  ROADS 362 

41.  CO-OPERATIVE  ETHICS 371 

42.  RURAL  LIFE  UNDER  THE  REIGN  OF  Co  OPERATION 387 

43.  A  TWENTIETH  CENTURY  HONEYMOON 41(> 

44.  THE  XE\V  CIU'SADI:    493 


SOLABIS  FARM. 


A  STORY  OF  THE  TWENTIETH  CENTURY. 

CHAPTER  I. 
A  FARMER'S  SON  WITH  PROGRESSIVE  TENDENCIES. 

ONE  bright  summer  afternoon,  near  the  close  of 
the  month  of  August,  1905,  two  young  college  chums, 
Fillmore  Flagg  and  George  Gaylord,  just  met  after  a 
long  separation,  were  seated  on  a  rustic  bench  near 
a  well-appointed  mountain  hotel.  The  superb  view 
before  them  was  well  worthy  of  their  half -hour's  si 
lent  admiration.  Full  one  thousand  feet  above  the 
sea  stands  "Hotel  Mount  Meenahga"  in  the  heart  of 
the  '  'Shawangunks, "  a  mountain  range  in  the  state  of 
New  York,  famed  for  its  scenic  beauty,  cool  dry  air, 
pure  water  and  commanding  elevation.  Looking 
northward  a  most  charming  landscape  presents  it 
self,  a  wonderful  group  of  mountain  ranges,  stretch 
ing  for  seventy-five  miles  from  near  the  Delaware 
Water-gap  eastward  to  and  including  the  Alpine 
peaks  of  the  famous  Catskills.  Within  this  lovely 
semicircle  lie  the  highlands  of  Ulster,  Sullivan  and 
Orange,  lifted  like  seats  in  some  vast  amphitheater, 
tier  above  tier,  while  nearer  a  beautiful  mingling  of 
villages  and  hamlets,  broad  fields,  green  woods  and 
silvery  water-courses,  constitutes  a  picture  of  en 
chanting  beauty  —  a  picture  constantly  changed, 
1 


2  SOLARIS  FARM. 

shaded  and  intensified  by  broad  patches  of  moving 
shadow  and  sunlight  from  a  great  fleet  of  fleecy 
clouds  sailing  so  swiftly,  so  silently  and  so  majestic 
ally  across  the  summer  sky. 

"How  exquisitely  beautiful!"  murmured  Fillmore 
Flagg,  "I  wish  I  had  my  camera  that  I  might  make 
it  captive,  carry  it  hence  and  keep  it,  a  rare  token  of 
beauty,  a  source  of  joy  forever." 

At  this  point,  a  brief  description  of  the  young  men 
will  serve  by  way  of  a  further  introduction. 

Fillmore  Flagg  was  fully  six  feet  in  height,  though 
his  compact,  well-rounded  figure  made  him  seem  less 
tall ;  his  straight,  muscular  limbs  were  in  harmony 
with  his  deep  chest  and  symmetrical  shoulders.  His 
rather  large  but  beautifully  turned  neck  and  throat 
rose  straight  from  the  spinal  column,  firmly  support 
ing  a  noble  head,  everywhere  evenly  and  smoothly 
developed.  His  thick,  soft  brown  hair,  worn  rather 
short,  was  inclined  to  curl,  giving  to  the  outlines  of 
the  head  a  still  more  heroic  size.  His  forehead  was 
large,  full,  dome  shaped  and  remarkably  smooth ;  the 
brows,  finely  penciled  and  well  arched,  were  matched 
in  color  and  slenderness  by  a  short  moustache  which 
seemed  a  shade  or  two  darker  than  the  hair.  His 
eyes  were  large,  very  expressive,  of  a  soft  dark 
brown,  bright  and  flashing  with  emotion,  full  of  pen 
sive  light  when  partially  shaded  by  their  thick  silken 
lashes ;  his  smiling  glance  possessed  a  curiously  fas 
cinating  magnetic  charm.  The  attractiveness  of  the 
entire  face  and  neck  was  intensified  by  the  wonder 
ful  marble-like  smoothness  of  skin  which  accompa 
nies  that  rare,  pale  olive  tint  of  complexion.  A  soft 
Alpine  hat  and  a  neat  business  suit  of  dark  clothing 
completes  this  picture  of  the  personal  appearance  of 
Fill  in  ore  Flagg.  Later  on  we  shall  learn  to  know 


SOLARIS  FARM.  3 

him  better  by  his  genial  temperament,  mental  and 
moral  characteristics. 

George  Gaylord  was  above  medium  height,  slender 
and  pale,  slightly  inclined  to  stoop;  wore  glasses,  and 
a  thick  black  moustache  which  entirely  concealed  his 
thin  lips.  His  heavy  growth  of  long,  coal  black  hair 
was  naturally  bent  on  falling  over  his  high  white 
forehead.  His  large  black  eyes  were  deeply  set 
under  heavy  dark  brows,  more  square  than  arched. 
His  straight  nose  and  smoothly  shaven  chin  were  set 
in  line  with  his  high  square  forehead.  While  both 
face  and  figure  suggested  the  student,  a  tall  silk  hat 
and  a  square  cut,  closely  buttoned  black  frock  coat, 
stamped  him  at  once  as  a  clerical  student. 

"Tell  me,  George,"  said  Fillmore  Flagg,  "how 
have  you  fared  since  we  parted,  and  what  are  your 
ambitions  and  plans  for  the  future  ?" 

"There  is  not  much  to  tell  you,  Fillmore.  As  you 
know,  when  I  left  college,  my  mother  was  a  widow 
with  a  very  limited  income,  which  made  it  difficult  to 
meet  my  college  expenses.  Mother  had  set  her  heart 
on  my  entering  the  ministry.  Her  only  brother,  a 
childless  widower,  and  a  man  of  some  wealth  and 
great  influence  in  the  church  affairs  of  his  prosper 
ous  New  England  town,  promised  his  assistance. 
Behold  the  result !  I  have  just  graduated  with  fair 
honors  from  a  prominent  theological  institute.  I 
am  to  take  charge,  this  coming  November,  of  a  large 
church  and  congregation  in  the  manufacturing  city 
where  my  uncle  resides.  Uncle  George,  for  whom  I 
was  named,  is  now  with  my  mother  visiting  friends 
in  New  York.  They  have  kindly  selected  as  my 
future  wife,  my  uncle's  favorite  niece  and  prospec 
tive  heiress  to  his  wealth.  When  last  we  met,  four 
years  ago,  Martha  Merritt  was  a  sweet  little  miss  in 


4  SOLARIS  FARM. 

short  dresses ;  but  gave  promise,  even  then,  of  un 
folding  into  a  lovely  woman.  To  tell  you  the  truth, 
under  the  circumstances,  I  am  more  than  half  pre 
pared  to  fall  in  love  with  her  when  we  meet  again. 
However  ambitious  my  day  dreams  in  the  past  may 
have  been,  a  not  unkindly  fate  has  woven  the  web  of 
destiny  for  me  and  fixed  my  future  life  work  without 
much  effort  on  my  part ;  and  yet  I  am  quite  content 
to  have  it  so.  Two  weeks  ago  I  left  the  heat  and 
bustle  of  the  great  city  for  a  month's  rest  in  this 
quiet  place.  I  little  dreamed  of  meeting  you  here ;  I 
need  not  say  I  am  delighted  :  I  am,  thoroughly  so.  I 
find  you  looking  your  best,  yet  I  can  easily  perceive 
you  have  been  hard  at  work  as  usual.  I  do  not  be 
lieve  you  could  possibly  keep  still  and  rest,  even  for 
one  short  week,  let  the  inducement  to  do  so  be  ever 
so  great.  And  now,  my  dear  Fillmore,  since  I  have, 
so  to  speak,  brought  myself  up  to  date  for  your  ben 
efit,  may  I  ask  for  a  similar  service  on  your  part?" 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE  OUTLINES  OF  A  GREAT  PROBLEM. 

FILLMORE  FLAGG,  seemingly  self  absorbed,  re 
mained  silent  for  some  moments,  softly  stroking  his 
chin  with  his  strong,  shapely  hand,  his  dreamy  eyes 
with  far-off  vision  intent,  apparently  noting  details 
in  the  hazy  borders  of  the  distant  landscape.  At 
last,  turning  to  his  friend  with  a  hearty  hand  clasp 
he  said:  "George  Gay  lord,  I  congratulate  you  ;  your 
future  is  bright;  you  deserve  it,  your  mother  de 
serves  it.  The  fates  have  been  very  generous  with 


SOLARIS  FARM.  5 

you.  I  am  glad  you  are  content  to  accept  the  good 
things  of  life  which  they  bring  to  you. 

"As  for  myself,  my  lines  of  life  are  cast  in  swift 
waters.  My  environments,  in  their  reaction  upon 
me  from  within,  seem  to  develop  a  determined  will 
to  wrench  from  the  rocks  of  destiny  by  ceaseless  and 
persistent  effort,  whatever  gifts  I  am  to  possess  or 
enjoy.  Work  I  must.  Obstacles  seem  only  to  stimu 
late  my  ambition  to  overcome  them.  Yet  I  am  pas 
sionately  fond  of  the  beautiful ;  poetry,  music  and 
art  in  all  the  loveliness  of  its  varied  forms ;  they  af 
fect  me  profoundly.  This  poetic  side  of  my  nature 
I  inherit  from  my  dear,  devoted  mother — my  highest 
ideal  of  all  that  is  good,  lovely  and  angelic  in  woman. 
Sadly  and  often  have  I  missed  her  loving  tenderness, 
her  watchful  care,  her  beautiful  smile.  The  shadowy 
Angel  of  Death  claimed  her  and  bore  her  from  my 
sight  when  I  was  but  four  years  old.  Young  as  I 
was  at  that  time,  this  beautiful  world  has  never 
seemed  quite  so  bright  to  me  since. 

"My  father,  Fayette  Flagg,  was  a  noble  man  of 
sterling  worth.  He  belonged  to  a  class  of  thrifty, 
hard-working,  pioneer  farmers,  on  the  broad,  fertile 
prairies  of  the  state  of  Nebraska.  Until  the  death 
of  my  mothex*  he  was  happy  and  prosperous,  hope 
ful,  helpful  and  brave.  After  that  great  blow  came 
to  him,  he  recovered  slowly,  as  from  a  long,  severe 
illness  and  never  again  was  quite  so  courageous  and 
strong,  or  as  hopeful  as  before. 

"With  the  advent  of  the  last  decade  of  the  nine 
teenth  century  a  feeling  of  foreboding  unrest  seemed 
to  brood  over  the  western  farmer  :  blight  and  drouth 
destroyed  his  best  crops  just  when  they  seemed  to 
promise  most ;  farm  stock  had  to  be  reduced.  The 
good  years  were  few,  the  bad  years  were  many.  The 


6  SOLARIS  FARM. 

great  strain  of  carrying  a  large  outfit  of  expensive 
agricultural  machinery  which  on  a  small  farm  could 
be  used  with  profit  only  from  ten  to  forty  days  in  the 
year,  began  to  be  felt.  The  debts,  incurred  by  the 
purchase  of  the  machinery,  were  growing  steadily 
larger.  With  each  renewal  of  the  mortgage  on  the 
farm,  came  the  demand  for  a  bonus  and  a  higher 
rate  of  interest.  Meanwhile  the  price  of  land  and  of 
all  farm  products  kept  on  falling,  falling  steadily 
year  after  year.  Only  taxes  and  freight  rates  from 
farm  to  market  kept  up.  High  rates  of  interest  and 
of  freight  swallowed  up  everything  and  seemed  to 
accelerate  the  terrible  shrinkage  of  values.  My 
father  found,  to  his  amazement,  that  his  farm  was 
now  mortgaged  for  more  than  it  would  sell  for  under 
the  hammer.  He  gave  up  the  struggle  in  despair. 
The  savings  of  a  lifetime,  his  health,  strength  and 
courage  all  exhausted ;  his  homestead  and  farm  sold 
from  under  him ;  he  lost  all  hope  and  in  a  few  short 
weeks  died,  a  broken-hearted  man.  I  went  to  him  a 
few  months  before  the  end :  I  tried  all  in  my  power 
to  save  him,  but  alas!  I  could  do  nothing  but  bury 
his  body  beside  that  of  my  mother  and  come  away, 
filled  with  the  determination  of  solving  the  most  dif 
ficult  problem  of  a  lifetime — a  problem  that  lies  at 
the  very  foundation  of  the  permanency  of  this  repub 
lic.  'How  to  keep  the  farm  lands  of  America  in  the 
hands  of  the  native  farmers  of  this  and  the  coming 
generations?  How  to  help  them  to  help  themselves?' 
The  decree  has  gone  forth.  The  small  farm  and 
farmer  must  go.  They  are  doomed.  A  great  wave 
of  land  monopoly,  rolled  up  by  a  large  class  of  very 
shrewd,  far-seeing  capitalists,  is  even  now  sweeping 
across  the  continent.  Seventy-five  years  hence  only 
n,  pauperized  peasantry  of  ignorant  farm  laborers, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  7 

bound  to  the  soil  as  hopelessly  as  the  slave  to  the 
master,  will  coin  their  lives  of  ceaseless,  unrequited 
toil  to  swell  the  rent  roll  of  the  non-resident  land 
owner,  who,  as  lord  of  the  domain,  through  his  heart 
less  agent,  will  exact  his  tribute  to  the  uttermost  far 
thing.  Must  the  sons  and  daughters  of  the  farms 
of  this  republic  come  to  the  bitter  heritage  of  such  a 
life?  Surely!  We  have  already  seen  the  beginning 
of  the  end !  The  sad  case  of  my  father  can  be  dupli 
cated  a  hundred  times  or  more  in  almost  every 
county  of  our  western  states.  States  that  are  in 
calculably  rich  in  their  magnificent  domain  of  broad 
acres  of  the  most  fertile  land  the  sun  ever  shone 
upon;  capable,  when  permanently  placed  in  the 
hands  of  a  properly  equipped,  scientifically  educated 
class  of  people,  of  producing  the  food  supply  of  the 
world :  but  under  the  blight  of  the  monopoly  system, 
history  will  repeat  itself.  Our  agricultural  interests 
will  languish  and  wither ;  dependent  manufactures, 
and  all  branches  of  exchange  and  commerce,  must, 
in  time,  follow.  What  then  will  happen  to  society? 
To  government  of  both  state  and  nation?  In  the 
face  of  this  appalling  situation,  how  stupendous  the 
problem  !  By  what  effort  can  a  great  counter  tidal- 
wave  be  set  in  motion  upon  whose  crest  the  salt  and 
salvation  of  the  republic,  the  sons  and -daughters  of 
American  farms,  may  be  carried  safely  to  the  perma 
nent  heritage  of  the  soil  they  till  ?  As  in  the  past, 
so  in  the  future  must  we  look  to  them  for  our  true 
reformers,  leaders,  thinkers  and  statesmen./  They 
are  endowed  by  birth,  by  constant  association  in 
youth  with  soil  and  sunlight,  fields  and  grass,  green 
meadows  and  mossy  brooks  and,  best  of  all,  doubly 
endowed  by  the  inbreathing  of  ozone  laden  breezes 
from  mountain  and  forest,  with  that  rare  combina- 


8  SOLARIS  FARM. 

tion  of  nerve,  moral,  mental  and  physical  stamina, 
courage  and  patriotism  which  is  necessary  to  pre 
serve  this  republic  and  to  keep  it,  ever  and  always, 
a  model  of  progressive  excellence  for  all  the  nations 
of  the  earth.  This  means  the  embodiment  by  them 
of  more  and  better  mind,  that  they  may  do  better, 
wiser  and  more  dominant  thinking ;  be  able  to  com 
prehend  the  sum  of  human  knowledge  to  such  an  ex 
tent  that  they  may  add  to  it ;  to  so  understand  their 
lives,  and  their  relations  to  the  Universe  around 
them,  that  they  may  become  masters  of  themselves 
and  their  environments — a  law  unto  themselves — fit 
ting  them  for  a  perfect  citizenship  of  a  perfected 
republic.  This  most  desirable  of  all  accomplish 
ments,  requires  better  surroundings,  more  leisure 
and  opportunity  for  self -improvement,  more  money, 
shorter  hours  of  more  remunerative  labor — labor 
transformed  from  a  hated  drudgery  to  a  desirable 
occupation.  Behold,  friend  Gaylord,  you  have  be 
fore  you  the  outlines  of  the  problem.  Can  you  sug 
gest  anything  towards  its  solution?" 

"I  can  suggest  nothing,"  said  George  Gaylord; 
"You  have  stated  the  case  with  the  clearness  and 
eloquence  of  a  Henry  George.  If  what  you  say  is 
true,  the  problem  is  a  very  serious  one.  But  are 
you  quite  sure  the  facts  will  fully  warrant  your 
conclusions?  If  so,  what  are  your  plans  and  what 
have  you  been  doing  towards  working  out  this  puz 
zling  question?" 

"Oh  yes!"  said  Fillmore  Flagg,  "I  am  very  sure 
of  my  position.  The  more  I  study  the  question,  the 
firmer  my  conviction  that  I  have  understated  the 
case  instead  of  overstating  it.  I  am  studying  the 
agricultural  question  from  every  possible  standpoint 
and  I  propose  to  make  it  a  life  work.  Every  branch 


SOLARIS  FARM.  9 

of  science  may  aid  me ;  I  must  master  at  least  a  por 
tion  of  each.  Since  we  left  college  I  have  become 
fairly  proficient  in  surveying  and  civil  engineering ; 
have  devoted  considerable  time  to  photography;  I 
am  classed  as  a  skilled  electrician ;  I  have  thoroughly 
mastered  agricultural  chemistry  and  several  of  the 
more  important  branches  of  that  interesting  and 
most  wonderful  science.  As  you  know,  I  am  very 
fond  of  mechanics  and  of  all  kinds  of  machinery.  I 
could  not  rest  until  I  had  gained  a  practical  knowl 
edge  of  all  kinds  of  tools  and  learned  how  to  repair 
or  construct  most  kinds  of  machinery.  Two  months 
ago  I  completed  a  general  course  of  study  at  the 
Philadelphia  School  of  Industrial  Art,  which,  for 
the  especial  work  I  have  in  view,  I  consider  by  far 
the  most  beneficial  and  practicable  of  all  my  acquire 
ments.  I  am  now  resting,  cogitating  and  waiting  for 
the  golden  opportunity  which,  sooner  or  later,  must 
come,  to  enable  me  to  commence  my  work." 


CHAPTER  III. 

AN  ADVERTISEMENT  INTRODUCES  THE  HEROINE. 

"BY  THE  way,  I  have  something  to  show  you.  I 
clipped  this  advertisement  from  a  leading  New  York 
daily  paper  this  morning,  and  have  read  it  carefully 
many  times.  Somehow,  I  have  an  abiding  convic 
tion  that  it  will  lead  me  to  the  high  road,  on  the  way 
towards  the  successful  solution  of  my  problem.  I 
am  going  to  apply  in  person." 

Full  of  curiosity,  George  Gaylord  took  the  clip 
ping  and  slowly  read  aloud: 


10  SOLARIS  FARM. 

"WANTED  :  A  skilled  mechanic,  qualified  to  act  in 
the  capacity  of  landscape  gardener  and  agricultural 
chenrst.  Applicant  must  be  a  strong,  healthy  young 
man,  of  good  habits,  pleasing  address;  with  a  gen 
eral  knowledge  of  business  methods,  and  an  excel 
lent  moral  character.  Qualifications  must  be  well 
attested  by  recommendations  from  reliable  parties. 
A  graduate  of  the  Philadelphia  School  of  Industrial 
Art  is  preferred.  Salary  liberal.  Apply  in  person 
at  the  office  of 

BITTERWOOD  &  BARNARD,  Atty's., 
Atlantic  Building,  Washington,  D.  C." 

"This  is  curious!  It  seems  to  point  directly  to 
you,  Fillmore.  I  do  wonder  in  what  peculiar  ca 
pacity  you  are  to  act,  and  who  your  real  employer 
is  to  be?  I  shall  be  full  of  unsatisfied  curiosity  until 
I  know  the  sequel." 

At  this  moment  George  Gaylord  was  suddenly  in 
terrupted  by  an  an  unlooked-for  gust  of  wind  whirl 
ing  around  the  shoulders  of  the  big  rock  standing 
above  and  behind  them.  The  fluttering  paper  slipped 
from  his  fingers  and  went  sailing  away  over  the  tree 
tops,  down  the  mountain  side,  with  that  erratic  up 
and  down,  eddying  motion  peculiar  to  run  away,  fly 
away  papers.  In  an  instant  both  young  men  were 
upon  their  feet,  intently  watching  the  uncertain 
flight  of  the  clipping.  A  few  moments  later  it  fell 
to  the  ground,  just  at  the  feet  of  two  ladies  who, 
with  heads  protected  from  the  sun  by  large  parasols, 
were  slowly  walking  around  the  bend  of  the  broad, 
well  kept  road,  winding  down  the  mountain  side. 
The  younger  of  the  two  ladies  picked  up  the  adver 
tisement,  hurriedly  scanned  it,  and  then  raised  her 
eyes  to  discover  the  two  young  men  as  probable 
owners  of  the  truant  paper. 

"Ah!"   said  George  Gaylord,    "I  recognize  those 


SOLARIS  FARM.  11 

people.  It  is  Miss  Penwick  and  her  travelling  com 
panion.  Come  along  Fillmore,  let  us  join  them  at 
once  and  claim  your  lost  clipping.  The  opportunity 
for  an  introduction  to  two  very  interesting  ladies, 
who  are  among  the  most  noted  guests  of  the  hotel, 
is  too  good  to  be  lost." 

Accordingly  they  hurried  down  the  steep  path 
that  joined  the  road  near  where  the  ladies  were  still 
waiting,  at  a  point  full  three  hundred  feet  below. 

Approaching,  with  hats  in  hand,  George  Gaylord 
said  :  "Allow  me,  Miss  Fenwick,  to  introduce  to  you 
my  friend  and  college  chum,  Fillmore  Flagg :  for  a 
peculiar  purpose  of  his  own  he  wishes  to  regain  pos 
session  of  that  flighty  paper  which,  fortunately  for 
him,  the  prank  playing  wind  carried  to  your  feet  but 
a  moment  ago. " 

With  a  slight  inclination  of  her  queenly  head,  she 
turned  with  a  dazzling  smile  to  meet  the  inquiring 
glance  of  Fillmore  Flagg.  In  a  clear  musical  voice, 
full  of  thrilling  cadence  and  power,  she  said:  "Mr. 
Flagg,  if  you  are  particularly  interested  in  this  pa 
per,  I  am  very  sure  I  am  quite  happy  to  meet  you, 
and  take  pleasure  in  returning  it  to  you  now ;  I  trust 
that  we  may  have  the  opportunity  of  becoming  bet 
ter  acquainted  before  you  leave  these  lovely  moun 
tains."  Turning  to  her  companion  she  continued: 
"Permit  me,  gentlemen,  to  introduce  my  friend  and 
companion,  Mrs.  Bainbridge ;  Mr.  George  Gaylord, 
who  is  just  entering  the  ministry,  and  his  college 
friend,  Mr.  Fillmore  Flagg." 

Mrs.  Bainbridge  responded  with  a  pleasant  smile. 
She  was  a  tall,  well  formed,  well  preserved  woman 
of  forty ;  full  of  a  quiet  dignity,  with  an  air  of  refine 
ment  that  fitted  her  like  a  garment.  Her  heavy 
dark  hair,  coiled  high  on  her  shapely  head,  was 


12  SOLARIS  FARM. 

just  slightly  silvered  with  gray  and  seemed  to  be  a 
fitting  foil  to  her  large  melancholy  black  eyes— eyes 
that  from  their  slumbering  depths  seemed  to  impress 
the  beholder  with  suggestions  of  some  mysterious 
power,  gleaming  messages,  like  beacon  flashes,  from 
her  inner  life.  With  her  becoming  dress  of  rich, 
dark  cloth,  gloves  and  parasol  to  match,  she  looked 
the  cultured  lady  to  perfection. 

Turning  her  steps  up  the  mountain,  Fern  Fenwick 
said  :  "Gentlemen,  as  it  is  near  the  hour  for  supper, 
we  had  best  return  to  the  hotel  at  once.  I  think  too, 
by  this  time  the  mail  from  the  station  must  have  ar 
rived.  "  Fillmore  Flagg  was  at  her  side  in  an  instant, 
choosing  the  side  opposite  the  parasol,  which  gave 
him  a  clear  view  of  her  charming  profile.  George 
Gaylord  and  Mrs.  Bainbridge  followed  a  little  more 
slowly.  The  conversation  soon  became  animated. 

While  they  are  thus  occupied  let  us  try  to  get  a 
more  complete  picture  of  Miss  Fern  Fenwick.  Her 
round,  exquisitely  proportioned  figure  was  of  me 
dium  height,  straight  as  an  arrow,  full  of  grace  with 
every  movement.  Her  quick,  firm,  elastic  step  was 
Youth  personified:  a  charming  maiden,  she,  of  twenty 
summers.  The  artistic  outlines  of  her  plump  arms 
and  shoulders,  beautifully  modelled  bust,  throat  and 
neck,  so  admirably  proportioned,  would  have  satis 
fied  the  most  carping  critic ;  poet  or  painter,  he 
would  have  pronounced  them  a  dream  of  perfect 
symmetry.  Her  queenly  shaped  head,  so  gracefully 
poised,  like  a  clear  cut  cameo,  wras  a  poem  of  intel 
lectual  development  on  lines  of  rarest  beauty.  Her 
thick,  glossy  hair  of  dark  chestnut  brown,  fine  as 
spun  silk  and  inclined  to  a  wavy  crimp,  was  artis 
tically  coiled  in  a  most  becoming  style ;  small  ears  of 
perfect  shape,  and  transparently  pink,  were  set  close 


SOLARIS  FARM.  13 

to  the  head.  The  curve  of  the  brow,  in  perfect  line 
with  the  pleasing  oval  of  both  cheek  and  chin;  a 
Grecian  nose  and  cherub  mouth  completed  the  per 
fect  contour  of  a  face  and  head  of  marvellous  beauty 
— a  beauty  made  more  brilliant  by  large,  lustrous 
eyes  of  blended  sapphire  and  amethyst,  flashing  jew 
els  of  deep  violet  blue,  so  clearly  expressing  the 
varying  emotions  by  their  ever  changing  tints  of 
sparkling  light.  Her  dress,  a  close  fitting  gown  of 
rich,  soft,  silver  gray  material,  was  stylishly  made, 
with  a  narrow  line  of  lovely  lace  at  the  throat ;  per 
fect  fitting  gloves  of  the  same  shade  of  gray,  with  a 
parasol  to  match,  completed  a  costume  that  seemed 
to  bring  out  and  intensify  a  most  charming  complex 
ion  of  pale  pink  and  white,  faultlessly  smooth  and 
transparently  pure  :  at  once  indicative  and  prophetic 
of  a  strong  vital  temperament,  perfect  mental  and 
physical  health;  pure,  highly  cultured  mind  and  a 
wealth  of  personal  magnetism — that  silent  charm  of 
mysterious  potency — pervading  and  surrounding  her 
like  the  perfume  of  sweet  flowers,  winning  the  un 
sought  admiration,  friendship  and  fidelity  of  all  who 
came  within  the  radiance  of  her  powerful  magnetic 
aura.  All  this,  and  more,  Fillmore  Flagg  perceived 
and  felt.  He  walked  and  talked  as  one  in  a  dream. 
Never  before  had  he  met  so  fair  a  vision  of  female 
loveliness,  with  grace  so  winning,  gestures  so  per 
fect  and  voice  so  musical.  His  heart,  overflowing 
with  a  new  ecstatic  emotion,  paid  silent  homage  to 
this  queenly  creature.  He  was  lost  in  admiration. 
Swallowed  up  and  absorbed  by  the  first  incoming 
wave  of  a  great  love.  He  was  lifted  out  of  himself, 
above  and  beyond  all  gross  things  of  earth,  into  a 
heaven  of  pure  delight.  His  better  nature  was 
thrilled  and  profoundly  moved.  He  felt  that  in  the 


14  SOLARIS  FARM. 

presence  of  this  pure,  angelic  woman  he  could  never 
again  do  an  unworthy  act.  A  life  work,  up  to  the 
standard  of  his  highest  ideal,  was  a  tribute  of  devo 
tion  he  would  willingly  lay  at  her  feet. 

All  too  soon  for  Fillmore  Flagg  the  moments  flew 
by.  Almost  before  he  was  aware  of  it  they  were  as 
cending  the  steps  of  the  hotel.  Pausing  on  the 
broad  veranda  for  a  moment  before  separating,  Fern 
Fenwick  said :  '  'Gentlemen,  Mrs.  Bainbridge  and 
myself  have  planned  for  a  carriage  drive  to-morrow 
to  Sam's  Point.  We  have  two  seats  in  our  convey 
ance  at  your  disposal  and  would  be  delighted  to  have 
you  accompany  us.  May  we  hope  that  you  both  can 
come  with  us?" 

Fillmore  Flagg  and  George  Gaylord  both  eagerly 
accepted  the  invitation,  the  ladies  passed  on  to  their 
rooms,  while  the  young  men  turned  their  steps  once 
more  to  the  rustic  bench  to  enjoy  the  magnificent 
sunset  view  of  the  landscape  they  had  so  much  ad 
mired  earlier  in  the  day. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE    STORY  OF  A  STONE    AND  WHAT  CAME  AFTER. 

SAM'S  POINT,  the  crowning  backbone  of  the  high 
est  mountain  in  the  Shawangunk  range,  bends  away 
from  the  general  course  of  its  fellows  apparently  for 
the  especial  purpose  of  giving  the  mountain  climber, 
by  its  isolation,  a  commanding  view  in  almost  every 
direction  except  to  the  north-east.  For  miles  in  ex 
tent  the  flat,  rocky  top  of  this  crown  forms  a  prome 
nade  of  magnificent  proportions  up  amid  the  clouds. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  15 

In  shape  it  is  a  long,  slender  triangle,  about  three 
miles  from  its  base  westward  to  the  point  where  its 
highest  altitude  is  reached,  two  thousand  three  hun 
dred  and  forty  feet  above  tide-water.  Cradled  in  its 
rocky  bosom,  near  the  base  of  the  triangle,  lies  a 
crystal  lake — one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  spark 
ling  water.  At  this  point  the  promenade  is  fully 
three-fourths  of  a  mile  wide,  gradually  narrowing  to 
a  width  of  less  than  one  hundred  feet  at  the  extreme 
point.  The  long  battlemented  sides  of  this  lofty  tri 
angle,  like  some  mighty  fortress,  grim  and  frowning, 
are  protected  and  supported  by  perpendicular  cliffs 
of  black  rock,  rising  like  some  bastioned  wall  of  ter 
rifying  proportions,  two  hundred  feet  above  the 
shoulder  of  the  mountain.  In  a  sheltered  nook, 
near  the  point,  about  five  hundred  feet  below  the 
base  of  the  cliffs,  stands  the  Sam's  Point  Hotel, 
scarcely  more  than  a  cottage  in  size.  Here  Fern 
Fenwick's  party  left  the  carriage.  Taking  the  nar 
row,  zig-zag  pathway  that  led  to  the  cliffs  and  often 
pausing  to  admire  the  immensity  and  grandeur  of 
the  black  rock  palisades  towering  so  far  above  them, 
they  soon  found  themselves  under  the  nose  of  the 
point  of  rocks.  Entering  the  crevice  in  the  cliffs 
known  as  "The  Chimney  Stairway,"  they  commenced 
the  steep  and  toilsome  climb  to  the  summit ;  Fillmore 
Flagg  taking  the  lead  and  assisting  Miss  Fenwick, 
George  Gaylord  performing  the  same  service  for 
Mrs.  Bainbridge ;  fifteen  minutes  later  they  stood,  al 
most  breathless,  upon  the  summit,  the  blue  sky  all 
about  them,  a  precipice  on  either  hand  where  shim 
mering,  giddy  space  seemed  to  yawn  so  frightfully 
near.  Meanwhile  a  strong,  buffeting  wind  tugged  at 
ribbons  and  capes,  hats  and  bonnets,  so  furiously 
that  walking  was  hazardous ;  it  gave  one  such  an 


16  SOLARIS  FARM. 

uneasy  sensation  of  giddiness  and  unstable  equilib 
rium  generally,  that  the  temptation  to  fly  over  the 
edge  of  the  cliff  was  hard  to  resist.  A  huge  egg- 
shaped  boulder,  twenty-five  feet  in  height  and  as 
large  as  a  house,  poised  rather  unsteadily  on  its 
rounded  base,  was  quite  near  and  gave  promise  of 
protection  from  the  violence  of  the  wind.  With  one 
accord  our  party  scrambled  towards  it,  the  ladies 
clinging  tightly  to  their  escorts  with  one  hand,  a 
firm  grip  on  hat  or  bonnet  with  the  other.  Thus 
sheltered,  and  more  at  ease,  they  slowly  drank  in 
the  glorious  vision  which  greeted  the  eye  on  every 
hand.  Looking  down  as  from  a  balloon,  at  the  foot 
of  the  mountain,  on  the  north  side,  the  eye  was 
charmed  by  the  length  and  beauty  of  the  Rondout 
Valley,  through  which  ran  the  Delaware  and  Hud 
son  Canal,  and  the  Rondout  River.  For  miles  on 
either  side  of  canal  and  river  the  valley  was  made 
more  lovely  by  its  checkered  farms  and  gleaming 
white  villages.  Directly  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain 
on  the  south  side,  the  broader  valley  of  the  Wallkill 
presented  an  equally  beautiful  and  diversified  picture 
of  farm,  hamlet  and  village.  Beyond  these,  in  every 
direction  save  to  the  north-east,  vast  stretches  of 
country  lay  spread  out  like  a  map ;  the  mountains 
far  and  near,  so  dwarfed  as  to  give  to  the  surface 
the  appearance  of  billowy  plains,  almost  level  where 
they  approached  the  edge  of  the  horizon.  The  won 
derful  extent  and  scope  of  the  view  was  bounded  by 
the  line  of  the  horizon,  at  least  one  hundred  miles 
distant.  Three-fourths  of  this  sweeping  circle  re 
sponded  to  the  unaided  vision,  disclosing  the  blue 
hills  and  hazy  mountain  peaks  located  in  five  states  : 
New  York,  Pennsylvania,  New  Jersey,  Connecticut 
and  Massachusetts,  altogether  presenting  in  its  im- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  17 

mensity  a  landscape  as  variegated  and  charming  as 
it  was  wondrously  beautiful  and  attractive — a  mar 
vellous  picture  of  indescribable  loveliness  never  to 
be  forgotten. 

"How  inspiringly  magnificent!"  said  Pillmore 
Flagg :  "All  the  sublimity  of  my  nature  is  satisfied." 

"And  I,"  said  Fern  Fenwick,  "am  too  profoundly 
impressed  to  talk.  I  would  that  I  could  spend  hours 
here  in  silent  admiration." 

"I  think,"  said  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  "that  we  would 
better  move  further  back  on  the  rocky  summit  where 
doubtless,  sheltered  seats  may  be  found,  then  we  can 
all  enjoy  this  most  wonderful  of  views  at  our  leisure 
and  with  some  degree  of  comfort." 

"Yes,"  said  George  Gaylord,  "that  will  be  ever  so 
much  nicer." 

"Stop  a  moment,"  said  Fern  Fenwick,  who  for 
some  moments  had  been  examining  the  huge  boulder 
which  sheltered  them  ,  "Have  you  noticed  the  curi 
ous  formation  of  this  immense  stone  ?  How  many 
hundreds  of  tons  it  may  weigh,  I  hardly  dare  guess. 
Geologically  speaking,  it  is  a  'stranger  rock, '  not  in 
any  way  related  to  the  rocks  of  this  mountain,  nor  of 
the  mountains  near  here.  It  is  a  mammoth  conglom 
erate  of  such  an  interestingly  curious  compound  and 
of  such  flinty  hardness.  At  the  time  of  its  forma 
tion  enormous  pressure,  coupled  with  the  most  in 
tense  heat,  must  have  molded  this  strange  mass  to 
gether.  Coarse  and  fine  gravel,  smooth,  round  peb 
bles,  from  the  size  of  a  pigeon's  egg  to  that  of  a  two- 
hundred-pound  boulder,  are  all  jumbled  together  in 
great  confusion,  and  so  firmly  cemented  in  this  im 
mense  globular  mass  of  that  peculiar,  tenacious  clay 
of  greenish  gray  color,  which  forms  so  large  a  part 
of  the  drift  formation,  and  which  is  so  widely  dis- 


18  SOLARIS  FARM. 

tributed  over  the  face  of  our  globe — that  strange, 
unaccountable,  isolated  and  unrelated  formation, 
which  still  remains  an  unsolved  puzzle  by  our  best 
geologists.  I  wish  you  to  observe  the  long  sides  of 
this  strange  rock,  especially  where  the  exposed 
sides  of  the  pebbles  have  been  worn  down  smooth 
and  even  with  the  clay — how  they  are  marked  and 
striated  by  shallow  grooves,  all  running  in  one  direc 
tion  as  straight  as  though  graven  by  rule.  Is  it  pos 
sible  that  any  freak  or  flood  of  the  glacial  period 
could  have  floated  this  huge  rock  to  its  resting  place 
on  the  very  summit  of  this  high  mountain,  almost 
two  thousand  five  hundred  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea  ?  Oh !  tell  me,  ye  listening  mortals,  or  ye 
winged  winds  that  blow  and  pull  my  ribbons  so ! 
whence  came  this  stranger  rock  ?  how  formed  ?  and 
how  were  its  smooth,  worn  sides  so  systematically 
engraved  ?  " 

Fern  Fenwick  closed  her  series  of  queries  with  a 
gradually  rising  pitch  and  inflection  in  the  ringing 
tones  of  her  clear,  musical  voice.  With  figure  erect, 
eyes  flashing,  cheeks  glowing  and  hands  uplifted, 
she  seemed  the  personification  of  some  priestess  of 
science.  Fillmore  Flagg  and  George  Gaylord  gazed 
at  her  with  the  admiration  of  amazement.  Mrs. 
Bainbridge  exclaimed : 

"Why  Fern  Fenwick!  How  you  do  go  on  with 
such  nonsense,  to  be  sure.  No  doubt  these  gentle 
men,  from  this  time  forward,  will  look  at  you  as 
some  scientific  freak  or  geological  professor  of  the 
female  persuasion,  but  recently  escaped  from  the 
walls  of  some  famous  college  ! " 

"Mrs.  Bainbridge,"  said  Fillmore  Flagg,  "of 
course  we  understand  that  you  were  joking  in  what 
you  said  just  now :  that  you  really  admire  the  terse, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  19 

clear,  and  wonderfully  complete  description  of  this 
strange  rock  by  Miss  Penwick,  quite  as  much  as  we 
do."  Turning  to  Fern  Fenwick,  he  continued:  "I 
believe,  Miss  Fenwick,  that  I  can  throw  some  light 
on  the  puzzling  questions  you  have  so  poetically 
propounded." 

"Pray  do  tell  us,  Mr.  Flagg,"  said  Fern  Fenwick; 
'I  can't  remember  when  I  was  so  excited  with  inter 
est  on  any  subject  before." 

*  'Very  well, "  said  Fillmore  Flagg :  '  'That  curiously 
able  and  intellectual  man,  Mr.  Ignatius  Donnelly,  in 
his  very  interesting  book  called  'Ragnarok,'  or  The 
Age  of  Fire  and  Gravel,  puts  forth  a  most  remark 
able  theory  regarding  the  drift  formation,  to  the 
truth  of  which  this  huge  rock  seems  to  bear  witness. 
The  theory,  briefly  stated,  is  as  follows :  A  great 
many  ages  ago,  when  this  globe  of  ours  was  still  in 
the  period  of  cataclysms,  rolling  through  space 
around  the  sun,  it  came  in  contact  with  a  portion 
of  the  end  of  the  tail  of  some  enormous  comet, 
sweeping  through  the  universe  on  its  erratic  course. 
This  great  boulder  is  a  sample  of  the  component 
parts  of  that  firey  tail,  which  smote  the  exposed 
face  of  the  earth  so  terribly  with  the  drift  deposit  at 
that  time  of  dire  disaster.  The  age  of  fire  and  grav 
el,  surely !  This  curious  clay,  now  of  such  flinty 
hardness,  was  at  one  time  the  exceedingly  fine  dust 
of  the  comet,  cohering,  collecting  and  embedding  its 
mixture  of  pebbles  and  gravel  by  the  heat  and  pres 
sure  of  the  friction  caused  by  its  incalculably  swift 
passage  through  space  for  periods  of  uncounted 
ages.  Remember  that  the  heat  of  all  drift  material 
in  the  tail  of  the  comet  was  greatly  intensified  by 
the  explosion  of  accompanying  gases  as  they  came 
in  contact  with  the  atmosphere  of  our  earth,  All 


20  SOLARIS  FARM. 

inflammable  material  on  the  face  of  the  globe,  which 
was  exposed  at  the  time  of  its  passage  throu;  li  the 
tail  of  the  comet,  was  burned  up  :  both  earth  a  ; 
were  on  fire!     Fortunately  our  flying  globe  i  ade  a- 
quick  passage,  thus  it  happened  that  large  p< 
of  its  unexposed  surface  wholly  escaped  this  t 
downpour  of  fire  and  gravel,  and  the  absence     i  all 
drift  deposit  on  these  places  is  logically  acct  imtecl 
for.     The  atmosphere,  so  heated  during  that    iwful 
period,  drank  up  the  waters  of  the  earth — then 
the  floods,  as  the  waters  fell  again.     Then  f o  ' 
the  reaction  period  of  extreme  cold,  snow  ano  ice — 
the  glacial  period.     This  particular  rock,  while  fol 
lowing  in  the  train  of  its  parent  comet,  though  lag 
ging  many  thousands  of  miles  behind,  still,  being  so 
very  large,  moved  with   accelerated  speed  tc  wards 
the  comet's  head,  passing  on  its  way  countless  mill 
ions  of  smaller  particles,  whose  cutting  edges  scored 
these  grooves.     On  entering  the  earth's  atmosphere, 
on  account  of  its  great  size,  this  boulder,  through 
the  law  of  attraction,  quickly  moved  to  the  outer 
most  fringe  of   the  comet's   tail  nearest  the  earth, 
therefore  was  the  first  to  alight  on  the  top  of  this 
mountain,  far  away  from  all  smaller  drift  material. 

'  'I  hope,  Miss  Fenwick,  that  my  brief  and  rather 
speculative  answers  to  your  questions,  reasoning  as 
I  did,  from  Mr.  Donnelly's  point  of  view,  may  prove 
at  least  in  a  measure  satisfactory. " 

<  'Thank  you,  Mr.  Flagg,"  said  Fern  Fenwick, 
"your  answers  to  my  questions  have  all  been  very 
ingenious :  equally  interesting  and  satisfactory,  es 
pecially  as  to  how  this  mammoth  conglomerate  came 
by  its  grooved  lines  and,  later  how  it  managed  to 
find  a  resting  place  on  this  mountain  top,  so  far  from 
its  kind.  Mr.  Donnelly's  theory  of  accounting  for 


SOLARIS  FARM.  21 

the  widely  scattered  deposits  of  the  drift  formation 
is  the  most  reasonable  and  logical  of  anything  I  have 
ever  read  or  heard.  Doubtless,  in  course  of  time,  it 
may  be  proven  the  only  true  one.  I  see  Mr.  Gaylord 
and  Mrs.  Bainbridge  are  becoming  weary  of  all  this 
talk  about  rocks  :  let  us  move  further  back  from  the 
point  in  search  of  more  sheltered  and  comfortable 
seats." 

Accordingly  they  chose  the  central  path  and  were 
soon  seated,  enjoying  the  changed  landscape  from  a 
new  point  of  view.  However,  Mr.  Gaylord  was  not 
yet  satisfied  and  soon  proposed  a  walk  to  the  lake. 
Mrs.  Bainbridge  was  willing  but  Miss  Fenwick  had 
walked  enough  for  one  day.  A  quiet  enjoyment  of 
her  lofty  outlook  was  what  she  now  most  desired. 

"Very  well,  Fern,"  said  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  "Mr. 
Gaylord  will  accompany  me  to  the  lake  and  we  will 
bring  back  for  lunch  some  of  those  very  large,  deli 
cious  blueberries,  which  Mr.  Gaylord  assures  me 
are  growing  so  abundantly  around  the  shores  of  the 
lake.  You  and  Mr.  Flagg  shall  remain  here  with 
the  lunch  baskets." 

This  plan  was  agreed  to,  and  very  soon  Mrs.  Bain 
bridge  and  her  escort  had  disappeared  on  their  way 
to  the  lake.  To  Fillmore  Flagg  it  seemed  a  long 
time  that  Fern  Fenwick  had  been  sitting  so  quietly, 
apparently  absorbed  in  admiring  the  billowy  miles 
of  landscape  unrolled  so  far  to  the  southward.  In 
reality,  each  was  thinking  of  the  other. 

"Mr.  Flagg,"  said  Fern  Fenwick  slowly,  "will  you 
pardon  me  for  asking  you  some  very  abrupt  ques 
tions,  or  what  may  seem  such  when  considering  our 
brief  acquaintence  ?" 

"Certainly,"  said  Fillmore  Flagg,  "I  hope  my  re 
plies  this  time  may  prove  as  satisfactory  as  those  I 


22  SOLARIS  FARM. 

gave  in  regard  to  the  rock.  The  pardon  you  crave 
is  granted  in  advance.  Pray  proceed." 

"Tell  me,  Mr.  Flagg,  why  are  you  so  much  inter- 
erested  in  that  advertisement  which  came  to  me  so 
unceremoniously  yesterday  ?  And  again,  tell  me  why 
you  are  so  moved  and  determined  to  better  the  con 
ditions  of  farm  life  ?  I  suppose  you  know  that  I  have 
wealth  and  leisure  at  my  disposal ;  it  may  prove  that 
I  can  be  of  great  assistance  to  you.  This  is  my  ex 
cuse  for  asking  you  for  more  details  in  regard  to 
your  personal  plans. " 

With  a  heart  filled  with  hope,  Fillmore  Flagg  be 
gan  the  recital  of  the  story  he  had  given  to  George 
Gaylord  on  the  terrace  bench.  With  frequent  glances 
of  encouragement  from  Fern  Fenwick,  his  inspiration 
and  eloquence  grew  upon  him.  He  gave  a  masterly 
statement  of  the  work,  his  preparation,  hopes  and 
plans.  Delighted  beyond  measure  with  the  undis 
guised  appreciation  and  approval  of  this  charming 
woman,  whose  very  destiny  in  the  vista  of  a  coming 
future,  seemed  to  him  to  be  linked  in  some  mysteri 
ous  manner  with  the  success  of  his  most  cherished 
ambitions,  he  cleverly  enlarged  and  perfected  the 
original  statement.  As  he  concluded,  Fern  Fenwick 
rose  to  her  feet  with  hands  extended,  her  face  glow 
ing  with  interested  enthusiasm,  saying  : 

"Mr.  Flagg,  I  most  heartily  congratulate  you  on 
the  noble  life-work  you  have  planned  and  chosen,  I 
thank  you  again  and  again  for  the  valuable  facts  you 
have  placed  so  confidingly  in  my  possession,  in  re 
gard  to  yourself  and  your  work.  Rest  assured  my 
interest  and  assistance  henceforth  are  at  your  com 
mand.  You  will  understand  this  more  clearly  when 
I  tell  you  that  Bitterwood  &  Barnard  are  my  attor 
neys,  and  the  advertisement  which  played  such  an 


SOLARIS  FARM.  23 

important  part  in  bringing  us  together  here  in  these 
mountains,  was  drawn  up  by  them  for  my  purposes. 
That  it  should  bring  to  me  a  person  of  your  wonder 
ful  ability,  integrity,  skill  and  knowledge,  is  an  al 
most  unhoped  for  piece  of  good  fortune.  You  are 
the  one,  of  all  others,  most  eminently  fitted  to  help 
me  to  a  successful  solution  of  my  problem,  which 
you  have  so  admirably  stated.  Hereafter  I  am  your 
debtor.  I  hope  to  prove  a  not  unworthy  employer, 
or,  to  put  it  more  pleasantly,  an  interested  co-worker. 
Will  you  do  me  the  favor  of  considering  yourself  as 
pledged  from  this  moment  to  take  up  my  work?  Go 
at  once  to  my  attorneys  in  Washington,  ask  them  for 
a  letter  of  introduction  to  me,  that  you  may  get  more 
complete  details  of  my  plans  and  work,  saying  not  a 
word  of  our  present  acquaintance.  I  will  furnish  you 
with  a  check  on  my  Washington  bankers,  with  which 
to  defray  your  expenses.  To-morrow,  in  company 
with  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  I  go  to  my  summer  home  on 
the  Hudson  near  Newburgh,  where  letters  will  reach 
me.  This  is  the  twenty-eighth  of  August;  on  the 
fifth  of  September,  at  noon  meet  me  in  the  station  at 
Newburgh.  Come  prepared  to  devote  a  week  at  the 
least  in  discussing  the  scope  and  plan  of  our  work, 
devising  ways  and  means  etc.  I  very  much  desire 
that  you  have  an  interview  with  my  father,  I  know 
he  will  be  pleased  with  you.  Do  these  arrangements 
suit  your  convenience?  Do  they  meet  your  entire 
approval  ?" 

"I  am  greatly  elated,"  said  Fillmore  Flagg,  "at 
this  my  golden  opportunity  of  commencing  what  you 
have  so  kindly  named  as  'our'  work,  under  such  aus 
picious  circumstances.  I  thank  you,  Miss  Fenwick, 
more  than  words  can  tell,  for  your  confidence  in  my 
integrity  and  ability,  I  will  do  my  best  to  retain  that 


24  SOLARIS  FARM. 

confidence.  I  am  ready  to  start  for  Washington  to 
morrow.  I  will  follow  your  instructions,  and  will 
report  to  you  by  letter  from  that  city,  and  then  meet 
you  at  Newburgh  at  the  appointed  time." 

As  he  finished  his  reply  Fern  Fenwick  said :  "Mr. 
Flagg,  I  am  very  much  pleased  with  your  prompt 
decision  in  favor  of  my  arrangements.  I  see  our 
friends  returning  from  the  lake,  will  you  help  me  to 
spread  the  lunch?" 

With  keen  appetites  they  enjoyed  the  lunch  espe 
cially  the  delicious  blueberries  which  George  Gay- 
lord  and  Mrs  Bainbridge  had  brought  from  the  lake. 
The  hours  passed  quickly;  the  drive  back  to  the 
hotel  was  without  mishap  or  incident :  the  entire 
party,  on  separating,  voted  it  a  day  of  perfect  pleas 
ure,  Fillmore  Flagg  and  George  Gay  lord  expressing 
their  thanks  to  the  ladies  for  their  kind  invitation 
which  had  given  them  such  a  delightful  excursion. 

Later,  George  Gaylord  called  at  the  room  of  his 
chum  for  a  few  moments  chat.  "Come  in,"  said  Fill- 
more  Flagg,  "I  was  just  thinking  of  you.  I  have 
made  up  my  mind  to  go  to  Washington  to-morrow  for 
the  purpose  of  answering  that  advertisement.  How 
much  longer  do  you  propose  to  remain  here?" 

"Not  more  than  two  weeks,"  replied  George  Gay- 
lord.  "I  understand  Miss  Fenwick  and  Mrs.  Bain- 
bridge  are  going  away  to-morrow.  I  am  likely  to 
have  a  very  quiet  time,  all  by  my  lone  self :  I  think  I 
must  take  to  bowling  for  an  hour  or  twro  each  day 
just  to  keep  up  my  exercise  and  kill  time.  I  hope 
you  may  be  entirely  successful  in  your  interview 
with  Bitterwood  &  Barnard.  Remember  how  much 
I  am  interested  in  this  matter,  and  your  promise  to 
let  me  know  the  result.  By  the  way,  what  a  per 
fectly  delightful  day  we  have  had,  thanks  to  that 


SOLARIS  FARM.  25 

lucky  gust  of  wind  which  tore  your  clipping  from 
my  fingers  and  landed  it  at  Miss  Fenwick's  dainty 
feet.  What  a  talented  young  lady  she  is,  and  so 
handsome  too.  Her  lecture  on  the  mountain  top 
about  that  stone  would  have  been  a  credit  to  any 
one.  I  never  saw  her  look  such  a  picture  of  perfect 
beauty  before.  She  seemed  wonderfully  interested 
in  you,  Fillmore,  especially  after  your  brilliant  reply 
to  her  series  of  apparently  unanswerable  questions. 
I  declare,  the  profoundness,  the  ingeniousness,  and 
•the  boldness  of  your  successful  answers  filled  me 
with  amazement !  You  fairly  surpassed  yourself ; 
all  the  time  looking  your  best,  just  like  a  hero.  Yet 
when  you  looked  at  Miss  Fenwick  you  seemed  just 
at  the  point  of  falling  down  to  worship  her.  I  can't 
blame  you.  What  a  glorious  couple  you  two  would 
make  !  If  it  were  not  for  her  immense  wealth  I  be 
lieve  you  could  win  her ;  any  one  can  see  that  you 
have  made  a  very  favorable  impression.  Perhaps 
you  can  win  her  as  it  is — I  wish  you  all  success,  you 
certainly  deserve  it.  Mrs.  Bainbridge  tells  me  that 
at  the  death  of  Miss  Fenwick's  father,  some  years 
ago,  she  became  sole  heir  to  his  vast  fortune ;  most 
of  it  in  very  rich  Alaska  gold  mines." 

" Are  you  quite  sure,"  said  Fillmore  Flagg,  "that 
her  father  is  dead  ?" 

"Yes  Fillmore,  I  am  quite  sure ;  although  it  is  just 
possible  that  I  may  have  misunderstood  Mrs.  Bain 
bridge.  In  my  hotel  acquaintence  with  that  lady  I 
discover  that  she  is  a  very  intelligent  and  accom 
plished  person  of  rare  good  sense.  Splendid  com 
pany  ;  we  seem  to  get  on  famously  together,  I  shall 
miss  her  very  much  I  am  sure.  As  usual,  I  am  doing 
all  the  talking  :  it  is  now  your  turn  to  say  something. " 

"I  think  I  could,"  said  Fillmore  Flagg,    "if  my 


26  SOLARIS  FARM. 

chatterbox  friend,  George  Gaylord,  would  only  give 
me  a  chance.  Miss  Penwick  I  regard  as  the  most 
beautiful  and  cultured  woman  I  have  ever  met.  I  do 
admire  her  very  much,  but  the  possibility  of  ever 
winning  her  for  a  wife  is,  at  this  time,  too  remote  for 
me  to  consider  for  a  moment.  I  must  now  pack  my 
trunk  and  then  see  the  hotel  clerk  about  getting  it  to 
the  railway  station.  So  good  night,  George,  I  will 
see  you  again  in  the  morning." 

That  night  Fillmore  Flagg  could  not  sleep.  The 
beautiful  image  of  Fern  Fenwick  was  before  him  the 
moment  he  closed  his  eyes.  The  events  of  the  past 
two  days,  with  their  crowding  memories,  kept  racing 
through  his  mind :  he  could  not  think  calmly  or  con 
nectedly.  He  was  in  a  fever  of  expectancy  regard 
ing  the  meeting  at  Newburgh,  and  the  prospect  of 
spending  a  whole  week  at  Miss  Fenwick's  cottage  on 
the  Hudson.  Then. and  there,  no  doubt,  she  would 
tell  him  all  about  herself,  her  father,  her  particular 
work,  when  and  why  she  became  interested  in  it  etc. 
But  what  about  the  father  ?  How  could  he  have  an 
interview  with  her  father,  if  Mrs.  Bainbridge  was 
correct  in  saying  that  Mr.  Fenwick  had  been  dead 
for  several  years  ?  It  was  a  mystery  he  could  not 
solve.  He  did  not  doubt  Fern  Fenwick  for  a  mo 
ment  and  felt  sure  she  would,  at  the  proper  time, 
make  everything  plain.  How  gracious  and  winning 
she  had  been  to  him ;  she  seemed  to  bid  him  to  have 
courage.  In  spite  of  her  great  wealth,  and  a  hun 
dred  other  obstacles  that  might  exist,  he  was  more 
and  more  in  love  every  hour.  If  proving  himself 
worthy  of  her  confidence  in  every  way  would  win 
her  love,  surely  then,  he  would  win  it.  With  this 
determination  fixed  in  his  mind  he  fell  asleep. 

In  her  room  that  night,  as  Fern  Fenwick  brushed 


SOLARIS  FARM.  27 

her  hair  and  prepared  herself  for  rest,  she  often 
paused  to  ponder  over  her  strange  meeting  with 
Fillmore  Flagg ;  thinking  what  a  fine,  manly  look 
ing  fellow  he  was,  and  how  well  he  could  talk ;  how 
thoroughly  equipped  he  was  to  take  up  the  question 
of  improving  farm  life,  the  lives  of  farmers  and  their 
families — the  question  of  all  questions  for  her. 
Surely,  Mr.  Flagg  bore  the  stamp  of  destiny!  He 
was  the  man  of  all  men  to  make  her  work  a  com 
plete  success.  How  fortunate  she  was  to  secure  his 
valuable  services.  How  strange,  that  after  a  brief 
acquaintance  of  only  two  days,  she  should  have  such 
perfect  confidence  in  a  comparative  sttranger.  Yet, 
she  did  not  doubt  his  integrity ;  she  knew  he  was 
loyalty  itself;  she  intuitively  felt  that  she  could 
trust  him  implicitly — he  would  never  betray  her  in 
terests  under  any  circumstances.  She  knew  from 
his  every  look,  tone  and  gesture  that  he  admired 
her  intensely,  devotedly.  Her  own  feelings,  she  did 
not  care  to  analyze.  With  a  sigh,  more  of  pleasure 
than  weariness,  she  composed  herself  for  the  night 
and  was  soon  lost  in  sleep. 


CHAPTER  V. 

FAIRY   FERN   COTTAGE. 

ONE  WEEK  has  passed  since  the  events  narrated  in 
the  previous  chapter.  At  Cornwall  on  the  Hudson, 
on  a  West  Shore  train  speeding  north,  we  find  Fill- 
more  Flagg ;  his  mission  at  Washington  successfully 
accomplished,  the  letter  of  introduction  from  Bitter- 
wood  &  Barnard  secured.  In  another  short  hour  he 


28  SOLARIS  FARM. 

will  be  at  Newburgh.     Will  the  lovely  face  of  Fern 
Fenwick  be  the  first  to  greet  him  ?     As  the  moments 
fly  by,  his  heart  beats  faster.     He  feels  the  surging 
tide  of  his  all-absorbing  love  for  this  beautiful  wo 
man,  thrilling  and  permeating  his  entire  being.     He 
tries  to  be  calm,  to  think  what  he  ought  to  say  that 
would  be  fitting  and  appropriate ;  he  knows  his  eyes 
are  blazing  and  his  cheeks  glowing  with  an  unwon 
ted  fire,  still  his  thoughts  refuse  to  flow  into  the 
satisfying  forms  of  speech  he  most  desires  to  use  at 
the  coming  meeting,  which  seems  to  him  to  be  the 
marking  of  a  great  crisis  in  his  life.     Ah  !     There  is 
the  whistle   sounding  !      The  speed  of  the  train  is 
checked  as  it  approaches  the  station.     He  steps  on 
to  the  platform  while  the  train  is  still  moving.     He 
beholds  many  upturned  faces  in  the  surging  crowd 
between  him  and  the  doorway  of  the  ladies'  waiting 
room,  but  Miss  Fenwick  he  cannot  see.     Will  he  ever 
reach  that  room  ?    Has  anything  happened  to  her  ? 
A  great  fear  contracts  his  heart,  he  fancies  he  fairly 
staggers  as  he  enters  the  door.     In  an  instant  he  is 
suffused  with  a  great  joy.     By  the  window,  awaiting 
his   approach,    stands    Fern  Fenwick,    the    perfect 
picture  of  cool,  contented  loveliness.     She  extends 
her  hand  and  greets  him  with  a  firm  clasp  of  hearty 
welcome,  and  a  second  edition  of  that  dazzling  smile, 
so  becoming  to  her,  so  bewitching  to  him. 

"How  do  you  do,  Mr.  Flagg?  I  believe  your  train 
must  be  late.  How  well  you  are  looking,  in  spite  of 
the  heat  and  the  dust !  We  will  have  your  baggage 
secured  as  soon  as  possible  and  placed  in  the  car 
riage,  then  we  will  drive  to  the  cottage  in  time  for 
lunch." 

"Thank  you  Miss  Fenwick,  I  am  delighted  to  see 
you  looking  so  well.  My  journey  from  Washington 


SOLARIS  FARM.  29 

has  been  a  very  pleasant  one ;   I  have  enjoyed  it  and 
have  not  suffered  from  the  heat." 

The  carriage  now  came  up,  they  stepped  in  and 
commenced  the  beautiful  drive  of  one  and  one-half 
miles  to  "Fairy  Fern  Cottage,"  which  was  charm 
ingly  located  on  the  summit  of  these  famously  ter 
raced  hills.  Hills  that  have  been  historic  since  the 
revolutionary  days  of  General  Washington,  when 
their  slopes  were  white  with  the  tents  of  his  soldiers. 
As  they  approached  the  cottage,  the  artistic  eye  of 
Fillmore  Flagg  noted  with  pleasure  the  broad  ex 
panse  of  spacious  lawn,  gently  sloping  down  to  the 
road.  Half -moon- shaped,  it  presented  for  his  admi 
ration  five  acres  of  smoothly  shaven,  velvety  green. 
For  one-eighth  of  a  mile,  the  entire  width  of  the 
lawn  and  cottage  grounds,  a  low  wall  of  ornamental 
cut  store  separated  the  lawn  from  the  road  and 
formed  the  straight  line  of  the  half-moon.  From 
the  gates  at  either  end  of  the  wall  a  broad,  beauti 
fully  kept  driveway  swept  around  the  semicircle  of 
the  lawn,  passing  just  in  front  of  the  cottage  at  the 
center  of  the  deep  bay  of  the  half-moon.  On  each 
side  of  the  driveway  the  greensward  was  beautified 
by  alternating  star  and  diamond-shaped  plots  of  ger 
aniums,  roses,  gladioluses,  canna  and  nasturtions. 
Sitting  close  to  the  outer  edge  of  the  drive,  about 
ten  feet  apart,  commencing  at  the  corners  of  the 
porch  on  either  side,  were  rows  of  potted  palms  ex 
tending  around  the  curve,  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet 
each  way — the  palms  gradually  growing  smaller  as 
the  distance  from  the  cottage  became  greater.  The 
effect  was  beautifully  unique  and  suggestively  semi- 
tropical.  The  cottage  and  lawn  was  embayed  by  a 
crowning  crescent  of  choice  foliage  and  shade  trees ; 
the  thin  horns  of  the  crescent  terminated  at  the 


30  SOLARIS  FARM. 

gateways  in  low  gray  stone  towers.  From  these 
points  the  horns  gradually  grew  broader  and  the 
shrubbery  rose  higher.  First  the  rhododendrons 
mixed  with  clumps  of  hollyhocks,  next  flowering 
almonds,  roses,  spireas  and  syringas ;  then  came  the 
drooping  long  leaf  sugar  pines,  with  an  artistic 
mingling  of  slender  limbed  graceful  silver  birches : 
farther  back  were  the  taller  firs  and  spruces,  inter 
spersed  with  thick  clumps  of  small  copper  beeches, 
extending  to  and  joining  at  the  back  of  the  cottage, 
the  dense  forest  of  tall,  straight  bodied  elms,  oaks 
and  maples  which  partly  hid  and  shaded  the  stables 
and  the  kitchen  portion  of  the  cottage. 

The  cottage  itself  was  built  of  gray  stone;  with 
thick  walls  and  large,  low,  deep  seated  windows.  It 
was  two  stories  in  height,  with  three  square  towers 
rising  twenty  feet  higher.  The  central  tower  was 
larger,  and  gave  space  within  its  walls  for  one  grand 
room  of  magnificent  proportions,  thirty  feet  square 
and  with  a  fifteen  foot  ceiling.  The  general  effect  of 
the  cottage,  lawn,  and  crescent  background  of  foli 
age  and  forest,  was  as  novel  as  it  was  beautiful.  As 
the  carriage  entered  the  farther  gateway,  Fillmore 
Flagg  was  surprised  and  delighted : 

"How  perfectly  exquisite  !"  he  exclaimed  :  "A  real 
gem  !  A  romantic  scene  from  fairyland  !  Rightly 
named  'Fairy  Fern  Cottage !'  It  is  a  fitting  home 
for  Fern  Fenwick." 

"Thank  you,  Mr.  Flagg,"  said  Fern  Fenwick  as 
they  stepped  from  the  carriage  to  the  porch  :  *  'I  ap 
preciate  your  praise  of  my  cottage  home.  I  love  it, 
I  am  proud  of  it,  I  give  you  a  hearty  welcome  to  its 
halls.  May  your  memories  of  it  prove  always  pleas 
ant.  Let  us  enter.  During  your  stay  you  are  to  oc 
cupy  the  front  room  on  the  second  floor,  the  one  un- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  31 

der  the  right  hand  tower.  I  think  you  will  find  the 
view  from  the  windows  very  pleasing  and  attractive. 
The  luncheon  bell  will  sound  in  just  half  an  hour.*' 
In  the  dining  room  Fillmore  Flagg  found  Mrs. 
Bainbridge  who  greeted  him  very  cordially.  She 
sat  at  the  left  of  Fern  Fenwick,  who  was  at  the  head 
of  the  table.  The  table  itself  was  oval  shaped,  very 
large,  seemingly  of  rich,  solid  mahogany  ;  the  china 
and  silver  were  elegant  and  artistic.  The  center 
piece  was  a  large  silver  tray  filled  with  a  wonderful 
collection  of  rare  ferns.  Around  it  a  ring  of  cut 
glass  bouquet  holders,  filled  with  spikes  of  flaming 
gladioluses,  formed  a  most  effective  border. 

"You  are  to  sit  here  at  my  right,  Mr.  Flagg,"  said 
Fern  Fenwick. 

As  Fillmore  Flagg  took  the  proffered  seat,  he 
thought  her  a  most  charming  hostess,  admirably  fit 
ted  to  preside  over  this  exquisitely  decorated  table. 
He  looked  in  vain  for  her  father ;  finally  concluding 
that  Mr.  Fenwick  must  be  a  confirmed  invalid,  con 
fined  to  his  room.  Luncheon  over,  Fern  Fenwick  in 
vited  Fillmore  Flagg  to  her  study  to  consider  the 
business  of  the  work  before  them.  Her  study  proved 
to  be  the  large  square  room  in  the  central  tower, 
which  was  so  generously  lighted  by  its  eight  large 
windows.  The  furniture  was  of  carved  oak ;  the  car 
pet  and  hangings,  rich  and  heavy,  were  of  a  pale 
lilac  tint,  which  gave  an  air  of  peaceful  quiet  and 
harmony  to  the  room.  From  the  front  window, 
looking  eastward,  a  long  stretch  of  the  beautiful 
Hudson  could  be  seen  at  one  sweeping  glance.  In 
the  south  east  corner  of  the  room  stood  Fern  Fen- 
wick's  desk,  a  large  one  with  a  roll  top.  At  the 
right  of  the  desk,  on  an  easel  against  the  wall,  was 
a  very  fine,  life  size  crayon  portrait  of  a  noble  look- 


32  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ing  man  of  sixty  winters  or  more.  The  massive 
forehead  was  both  broad  and  high  and  very  smooth. 
The  eyes  were  wide  apart,  large  and  expressive,  the 
full  beard,  thick  and  fine ;  the  hair,  abundant  and 
wavy.  Both  hair  and  beard  were  evenly  tinged  with 
gray.  The  body  was  large,  erect  and  well  propor 
tioned — it  fittingly  matched  the  noble  head.  The 
portrait  impressed  one  as  being  life-like  and  full  of 
character.  Close  beside  the  easel  was  a  large  arm 
chair,  upholstered  with  stuffed  leather,  a  grayish 
brown.  Lying  across  the  arms  of  the  chair  was  a 
large,  peculiarly  shaped  trumpet  of  aluminum,  orna 
mented  with  a  heavy  cord  and  tassel  of  gray  silk. 

"Mr.  Flagg,"  said  Fern  Fenwick,  "this  is  my  pri 
vate  workroom ;  here  I  am  undisturbed  and  not  at 
home  to  callers.  This  is  my  desk.  Here  you  see 
my  father's  portrait :  this  is  his  favorite  chair.  Will 
you  be  seated  in  the  smaller  chair  near  it  ?  I  will 
sit  in  the  chair  at  my  desk. " 

"Pardon  me,  Miss  Fenwick,"  said  Fillmore  Flagg, 
'  'Up  to  this  time  I  had  thought  of  you  as  living  here 
with  your  father  :  I  now  perceive,  from  the  way  you 
speak  of  his  portrait  and  of  his  favorite  chair,  that 
he  must  be  dead.  Please  correct  me  if  I  am  wrong 
in  my  conclusions." 

"I  will  explain  the  situation  in  a  very  few  words," 
said  Fern  Fenwick. 

"In  the  eyes  of  the  world  I  am  an  orphan,  my 
father  and  mother  having  both  passed  from  this  to 
the  land  of  spirit.  The  world,  in  its  blind  ignor 
ance,  calls  them  dead.  To  me,  thanks  to  my  medi- 
umship,  and  to  the  mighty  truth  of  spirit  commun 
ion,  they  are  still  conscious,  living,  loving  parents. 
Every  day,  here  in  this  room,  they  come  to  me  and 
through  the  trumpet  there,  speak  to  me  as  naturally, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  33 

as  fluently  and  as  lovingly  as  ever.  I  feel  and  real 
ize  their  constant  watchfulness  and  loving  care.  In 
times  of  need  their  advice  never  fails,  always  prov 
ing  as  wise  as  it  is  unerring.  They  never  for  a  mo 
ment  allow  me  to  realize  that  I  am  an  orphan  in  any 
sense  of  the  word.  The  word  Death  has  no  terrors 
for  me :  I  realize  that  for  them  it  means  simply  a 
happy  transition  to  a  higher  life,  filled  with  broader 
and  brighter  possibilities ;  and,  blessed  truth !  that 
they  are  permitted  to  come  to  me  when  I  need  them. 
I  sometimes  shudder  when  I  think  what  might  have 
happened  to  me  if  I  had  not  been  born  and  bred  a 
spiritualist  and  a  medium.  However,  we  will  speak 
of  these  things  more  at  length  later  on.  At  this 
time,  under  my  father's  guidance  and  with  your 
assistance,  I  am  to  cary  out  and  complete  his  plans 
for  the  improvement  of  farm  life  on  lines  quite  in 
harmony  with  your  ideas.  I  know  he  approves  of 
you  and  of  your  work,  and  has  confidence  in  your 
integrity  and  ability.  At  the  proper  time  he  will 
speak  to  you  personally  through  the  trumpet.  Let 
us  now  consider  another  matter  pertinent  at  this 
time. 

1  'In  order  that  you  may  thoroughly  understand  the 
situation  that  surrounds  and  affects  our  work,  it  will 
be  necessary  for  me  to  tell  you  the  story  of  my  life, 
?vnf)  with  it  the  story  of  the  life  of  my  father." 


34  SOLARIS  FARM. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

FENNIMORE   FENWICK. 

1  'ON  A  pioneer  farm  in  northwestern  Iowa,  with  a 
broad  expanse  of  beautiful  prairie  on  every  side,  far 
from  town  or  village,  lived  my  grandfather,  George 
Fenwick.  On  this  farm  in  October,  1840,  my  father, 
Fennimore  Fenwick,  was  born.  Of  a  family  of  nine 
children,  five  boys  and  four  girls,  he  was  the  fifth, 
two  of  the  brothers  and  two  of  the  sisters  being 
older.  Closely  associated  as  a  healthy,  harmonious 
family  of  children,  they  grew  up  surrounded  by  the 
conditions  of  an  isolated  farm  life,  so  general  in  the 
widely  scattered  settlements  of  those  early  days, 
with  only  now  and  then  rare  chances  for  a  little 
schooling  of  the  most  primitive  character.  How 
ever,  they  shared  with  each  other  their  joys  and 
sorrows,  their  plays  and  privations ;  always  forbear 
ing  and  patient,  kind  and  affectionate,  light-hearted, 
sympathetic  and  helpful,  they  did  much  to  develop 
that  broad,  loving,  genial  nature  which  made  my 
father  kin  to  all  mankind.  So  just  and  true!  So 
nobly  unselfish !  A  signal  illustration  of  the  great 
blessing  which  Nature's  beneficent  law  of  compensa 
tion  brings  to  large  families. 

"Passing  on  to  September,  1865,  at  the  close  of 
the  war  of  the  rebellion,  we  find  the  large  family,  so 
long  and  harmoniously  united,  now  separated  and 
widely  scattered.  Grandfather  and  grandmother 
Fenwick  both  died  during  the  closing  year  of  the 
war.  With  the  exception  of  my  father,  the  brothers 
and  sisters  were  all  married  and  settled  on  farms  of 
their  own :  some  in  Iowa,  one  in  Missouri,  two  in 


SOLARIS  FARM.  35 

Kansas,  and  two  in  Minnesota.  The  homestead  was 
divided  between  the  two  younger  brothers.  All  of 
the  brothers  served  as  soldiers,  good  and  true,  dur 
ing  the  war ;  the  two  younger  only  one  year  each. 
My  father,  more  fortunate  than  the  others,  by  his 
bravery  and  soldierly  excellence  won  a  commission, 
and  came  home  the  captain  of  his  company. 

"From  this  point  forward  we  will  follow  my  fath 
er's  career  as  he  makes  a  pathway  in  life  for  himself. 

"From  1865  to  1871  he  devoted  his  time  and  his 
savings  to  hard  study  in  the  best  of  schools,  finish 
ing  a  master  of  his  profession — a  mining  engineer 
and  expert  in  assaying  and  metallurgy.  From  1871 
to  1882  he  was  general  manager  of  a  wealthy  mining 
company  in  Colorado  at  a  large  salary,  making  a 
name  for  himself  as  one  of  the  most  skillful  and  suc 
cessful  men  in  the  profession.  While  in  Colorado  my 
father  was  haunted  by  an  intuitive  feeling  that  the 
gold-bearing  quartz  region  of  Alaska  held  a  rich  find 
in  store  for  him.  In  October,  1882,  a  very  strong 
corporation  was  organized  in  San  Francisco,  'The 
Alaska  Mining  Co.,'  to  open  and  operate  their  exten 
sive  mines  in  Alaska.  The  directors  of  the  company 
chose  my  father  manager.  They  offered  him  an  in 
creased  salary  to  go  to  Alaska  to  take  entire  charge 
of  the  work.  This  position  he  accepted  and  retained 
for  five  years.  During  that  time  he  discovered  a 
very  rich  mine  on  a  small,  rocky  island  near  the 
coast.  In  partnership  with  his  old  friend,  Mr.  Dun- 
bar,  one  of  the  San  Francisco  directors  of  the  Alaska 
Mining  Co.,  my  father,  at  the  end  of  five  years  ser 
vice  for  the  company,  had  developed  the  mine  on 
the  island  into  one  of  the  best  paying  and  most  ex 
tensive  of  that  famously  rich  gold  bearing  quartz 
region.  This  was  the  foundation  and  support  of  his 


36  SOLARIS  FARM. 

vast  fortune,  which  thereafter  required  his  entire  at 
tention.  At  the  death  of  Mr.  Dunbar,  which  occurred 
in  1890,  his  one- third  interest  in  the  mine  passed  to 
his  son,  Dewitt  C.  Dunbar,  a  young  man  of  great  en 
ergy  and  integrity,  with  an  excellent  business  educa 
tion.  He  impressed  my  father  as  one  in  every  way 
trustworthy  and  capable.  At  my  father's  request, 
Dewitt  C.  Dunbar,  accompanied  by  his  young  wife, 
at  once  removed  to  Alaska.  Under  my  father's  tui 
tion  he  began  to  prepare  himself  to  take  the  active 
management  of  the  mine,  which  had  been  christened 
'The  Martina.' 

"In  1882,  while  on  his  first  visit  to  San  Francisco, 
my  father  met  and  loved  Martina  Morrison,  my 
mother  —  my  beautiful  mother.  She  was  twenty- 
seven,  my  father  forty-two.  They  were  perfectly 
adapted  to  each  other,  and  both  equally  charmed 
and  devoted.  She  possessed  a  fine  mind,  well  cul 
tured  ;  a  handsome  physique,  charmingly  graceful  in 
every  movement;  and,  her  crowning  glory,  an  ex 
ceedingly  amiable  disposition.  Martina  Morrison,  by 
those  who  knew  her  longest  and  best,  was  declared 
to  be  the  soul  of  honor.  She  was  an  excellent  medi 
um,  an  enthusiastic  and  devoted  Spiritualist — one  of 
its  purest  and  most  eloquent  exponents,  highly  es 
teemed  by  all  as  an  able  and  earnest  worker  in  the 
service  of  the  two  worlds.  Fennimore  Fenwick,  my 
father,  soon  became  much  interested  in  her  wonder 
ful  mediumship,  and  later  became  convinced  of  the 
absolute  verity  of  the  mighty  truths  of  Spiritual 
ism.  He  at  once  declared  himself  its  willing  and 
outspoken  advocate  :  in  his  enthusiasm  of  delight  he 
even  hailed  it  as  the  coming  religion  of  the  world. 

* 'Martina   Morrison    had   such   confidence   in  my 
father's    future  mining  success,    that    she    readily 


SOLARIS  FARM.  37 

yielded  to  his  urgent  request  for  a  speedy  marriage, 
that  she  might  accompany  him  on  his  first  trip  to 
Alaska.  And  thus  it  was  they  sailed  away  on  their 
bridal  tour,  their  destination  that  far  off  land  of  flash 
ing  glacier  and  unexplored  forest,  almost,  if  not 
quite,  beyond  the  borders  of  civilization.  This  long 
voyage  to  an  unknown  country  had  no  terrors  for 
them.  They  were  all  the  world  to  each  other.  A 
bright  halo  of  hope  and  happiness  spread  a  soft 
glow  of  enchantment  over  ship  and  sail,  sea  and  sky, 
so  vivid,  so  far  reaching,  that  it  even  touched  and 
tinted  the  distant  shores  of  that  far  off,  rock  bound 
coast  of  Alaska.  Smooth  seas,  lovely  weather  and 
favoring  winds  speeded  the  voyagers  :  those  halcyon 
days  flew  swiftly  by.  Almost  before  they  dreamed 
it  possible  the  vessel  came  to  anchor  in  the  port  that 
marked  the  end  of  the  voyage.  Safely  landed,  my 
father  reported  at  once  at  the  office  of  The  Alaska 
Mining  Company,  only  a  few  miles  distant.  There 
he  commenced  his  five  years  of  management  for  the 
Company,  of  which  I  have  already  spoken.  There 
my  mother  remained  until  December,  1884,  when  she 
returned  to  San  Francisco,  to  visit  her  friends.  My 
father  followed  her  five  months  later. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

AN   ALASKA   KINDERGARTEN. 

"IN  JUNE,  1885,  I  was  born,  and  soon  became  a 
very  active  member  of  the  Fenwick  family.  I  was 
pronounced  by  all  who  saw  me  an  offspring  in  every 
way  worthy  of  my  noble  father  and  my  beautiful 


38  SOLARIS  FARM. 

mother.  When  I  was  two  months  old,  my  parents 
returned  to  Alaska,  taking  me  with  them.  There  I 
remained  until  I  was  seven  years  old — seven  years 
in  that  forbidding  clime,  so  near  the  Arctic  Circle. 
Isolated  from  other  children,  yet  how  happy  and 
contented  I  was.  Those  years  recall  a  troop  of 
joyous  memories,  with  not  a  bitter  one  to  mar  the 
group.  My  beloved  parents  were  my  only  com 
panions,  playmates,  teachers  and  confidants.  I  was 
papa's  own  girl.  He  was  very  proud  of  me  and 
wished  me  to  be  with  him  as  much  as  possible.  He 
never  wearied  in  the  endless  task  of  answering  my 
questions,  always  so  skillfully  directing  them  by 
suggestions,  that  in  my  receptive  mind  there  was 
soon  unfolded  a  clear  conception  of  the  outlines  of 
the  different  branches  of  all  useful  knowledge.  When 
I  was  four  years  of  age  I  knew  the  alphabet  perfectly 
and  could  spell  and  construct  a  great  number  of 
words  with  my  lettered  blocks,  and  then  copy  them 
on  my  slate.  When  I  was  five  years  old,  thanks  to 
my  mother's  patient  teaching,  I  could  read  fairly 
well.  My  father's  ingenious  methods  soon  made  me 
familiar  wTith  the  key-words  of  geology,  chemistry, 
(including  the  names  of  minerals,  metals  and  gases) 
botany,  history,  geography,  physics  and  astronomy. 
I  was  unconsciously  taught  to  associate  these  words 
or  names  with  the  groups,  or  families,  to  which  they 
belong.  I  wrould  spend  hours  with  my  father  in  the 
most  delightful  game  of  separating  and  classifying 
a  miscellaneous  heap  of  different  colored  blocks, 
bearing  the  names  of  minerals,  metals  and  gases 
and  the  key-words  of  the  studies  I  have  just  men 
tioned.  To  illustrate :  The  astronomy  blocks  were 
blue  with  the  names  in  white  letters ;  the  geology 
blocks  w  re  a  deep  reddish  brown,  with  names  in 


SOLARIS  FARM.  39 

gray ;  chemistry,  red,  lettered  in  black ;  botany, 
green,  lettered  in  yellow ;  geography,  gray,  lettered 
in  blue ;  history,  black,  lettered  in  red ;  physics,  a 
deep  orange  yellow,  lettered  in  white ;  mathematics 
WHS  represented  in  a  small  way  by  the  cipher  and 
nine  digits,  lettered  in  black  upon  ten  plain  un- 
painted  blocks,  giving  in  their  forms  that  number  of 
tlio  principal  geometrical  figures,  to  which  was  added 
Oj  shallow  box  with  a  broad  lid,  perforated  by  ten 
holes,  corresponding  to  the  blocks  in  number,  size 
and  shape,  but  large  enough  for  the  blocks  to  easily 
pass  through  into  the  box. 

'  :In  these  groupings  my  childish  interest  and  de 
light  was  intensified  by  my  father's  personification 
of  the  different  families,  such  as :  '  Mr.  Astronomy 
Blue,'  'Mrs.  Geology  Brown,'  'Mr.  Chemistry  Red,' 
etc.  For  instance,  the  wonderful  stories  he  told  to 
me  of  the  minerals,  mecals  and  gases — the  sons  and 
daughters  of  Mr.  Chemistry  Red,  as  he  termed  them 
— describing  their  loves  and  hates,  the  great  variety 
of  pranks  they  played,  the  queer  combinations  they 
entered  into,  the  good  and  the  bad  work  they  per 
formed,  etc.  These  to  me  were  fairy  stories  of  the 
most  charming  kind,  while  at  the  same  time  they 
gave  me  a  correct  idea  of  the  powers  and  properties 
of  these  unfamiliar  things  and  served  to  identify 
them  more  closely  as  members  of  the  chemistry 
family.  My  mother  was  a  natural  teacher,  very 
proficient  in  botany,  and  in  history,  with  its  flower 
and  fruitage  of  classic  prose  and  inspiring  poetry. 
She  entered  into  my  father's  'block-signal-system'  of 
education  with  an  enthusiasm  as  zealous  and  childish 
as  my  own,  therefore  her  contributions  to  the  rapidly 
increasing  store  of  blocks  were  large  and  exceedingly 
interesting.  Her  stories  regarding  the  numerous 


40  SOLARIS  FARM. 

members  of  the  botany  and  history  families  proved 
equally  profitable  and  charming;  those  about  plants 
and  trees  especially  so.  These  stories  and  plays  of 
science  grouping,  always  associated  with  such  pleas 
ant  emotions  of  my  childish  heart,  became  perma 
nently  fixed  and  dominant  in  my  mental  growth, 
forming  separate  brain  structures  around  which  the 
details  of  the  accumulated  knowledge  of  future  years 
could  easily  and  naturally  classify  and  crystallize. 

"Thus  swiftly  passed  those  happy  years  of  my 
early  girlhood.  So  constantly  was  I  associated  with 
my  dear  father  and  mother  that  schools  I  did  not 
need.  In  my  seventh  year,  under  their  supervision,  I 
commenced  a  systematic  course  of  scientific  reading 
which  I  kept  up  until  after  I  graduated  from  college. 
I  commenced  with  the  Science  Primer  Series,  read 
ing  aloud  to  my  parents  one  half  hour  each  morning 
and  evening,  conversing  and  commenting  on  the  dif 
ferent  topics  as  we  went  along.  This  proved  to  be 
a  continuation  of  the  game  of  blocks :  just  as  inter 
esting,  equally  entertaining ;  all  about  the  same  fa 
miliar  families  I  enjoyed  it  so  much  and  never 
once  dreamed  I  was  accomplishing  a  great  deal  of 
good  hard  study.  To  me  it  was  play  ;  play  that  gave 
me  more  pleasure  than  any  of  my  childish  sports.  I 
soon  began  to  ask  for  an  extension  of  the  half  hour 
lessons  to  an  hour  each;  when  my  request  was 
granted  my  cup  of  pleasure  was  full,  my  joy  com 
plete.  With  each  succeeding  week  my  interest  in  all 
my  studies  continued  to  grow.  Yet  my  health  re 
mained  perfect :  my  physical  kept  an  even  pace  with 
my  mental  growth,  largely  owing,  no  doubt,  to  the 
much  enjoyed  hours  of  good  romping  exercise  and 
the  dancing  and  singing  which  followed  my  reading 
Lessons. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  11 

"You  must  pardon  me,  Mr.  Klagg,  if  I  should  tire 
you  with  such  a  detailed  account  of  rny  child  life; 
my  excuse  must  be,  the  valuable  hints  it  may  offer 
when  we  come  to  consider  a  school  system  for  the 
children  of  our  model  co-operative  farm." 

"I  arn  profoundly  interested,"  said  Kill  more  Flagg. 
"The  very  wonderful  result  flowing  from  tin;  wise, 
methods  conceived  by  your  pan-tils  and  carried  out 
by  them  so  devotedly,  fills  my  mind  with  admiration 
and  offers  a  flood  of  suggestions  as  to  the  possibili 
ties  of  what;  may  be,  accomplished  by  a  properly  con 
ducted,  well  equipped  school  on  a.  co  operative  farm. 
But  you  must  not  allow  me  to  interrupt — please  pro 
ceed  with  your  very  interesting  story." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

AN    INTERVIEW   WITH   THE    "K  A  IKIES." 

FERN  FENWICK  rose  from  her  seat  saying:  "As 
it  is  near  sunset,  Mr.  Flagg,  1  have  something  to 
show  you  in  the  way  of  a  surprise,  which  I  wish  you 
to  see  before  it  becomes  too  dark  :  after  having  seen 
it  you  will  better  understand  why  this  house  was 
named  'Fairy  Kern  Cottage.'  Therefore  I  propose 
that  we  now  adjourn  to  the  cool  shade  of  the  grounds 
at  the  rear  of  the  cottage,  postponing  the  recital  of 
the,  remainder  of  my  story  until  this  evening." 

"I  shall  bo  delighted  to  follow  you,"  said  Killmore 
Flagg.      "You  have  excited  my  curiosity  ;   I  am  just, 
in  the  mood  to  learn  all  I  can  about  this  lovely  cot 
tage  and  its  beautiful  surroundings." 

As  they  reached  the  shady  lawn,  so  cool  and  sweet 


42  SOLARIS  FARM. 

from  its  recent  sprinkling,  Fillmore  Flagg  observed 
that  a  wide,  straight  avenue,  shaded  by  towering 
oaks  and  widely  branching  elms,  led  from  the  rear 
porch  of  the  cottage  to  the  broad  front  of  the  roomy 
stone  stables,  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  feet  dis 
tant.  In  the  center  of  this  avenue,  with  a  finely 
graveled  carriage  drive  on  either  side,  rose  a  long 
line  of  huge  stone  arches,  ten  in  number.  These  im 
posing  structures  of  solid  masonry  Were  full  thirty 
feet  high,  spreading  to  a  width  of  thirty  feet  at  the 
base.  The  two  center  arches  were  each  twenty  feet 
thick;  the  others,  ten  feet  each.  The  open  space 
between  the  arches  was  uniformly  ten  feet ;  the  open 
circle  under  each  arch  was  twenty  feet  in  diameter. 
The  vista  formed  by  the  spaces  and  arches  together, 
was  over  two  hundred  feet  in  length.  From  the  far 
ther  arch  to  the  front  of  the  stables  lay  thirty  feet 
of  smooth,  clean  gravel  which  covered,  at  this  point, 
the  full  width  of  the  avenue,  seventy -five  feet,  form 
ing  the  open  court,  around  which  was  built  the  sta 
bles  and  the  two  tastefully  designed  stone  buildings 
on  either  side — one,  beautifully  fitted  up  for  the  resi 
dence  of  the  superintendent,  the  other  containing  the 
heating  and  pumping  apparatus  and  the  electric  gen 
erator.  The  two  wide  center  arches  supported  the 
huge  metal  tank  which  held  the  ample  water  supply 
of  both  cottage  and  outbuildings.  Evidently,  they 
were  admirably  adapted  to  that  particular  purpose. 
The  rough  stone  work  of  the  outside  of  all  the  arches 
was  artistically  covered  and  beautified  by  a  luxuri 
ant  growth  of  intermingled  ivy  and  cinnamon  vine, 
which  gave  a  still  deeper  shade  to  the  interior.  To 
the  beholder,  the  exterior  effect  of  the  vines  on  the 
long  line  of  arches  was  as  beautifully  romantic  as  if 
it  really  were  one  of  those  old  Abbeys  in  picturesque 


SOLARIS  FARM.  43 

ruii.,  so  charmingly  described  by  Sir  Walter  Scott. 
Deep  grooves  in  the  stone  work,  with  light  iron 
frames  fastened  near  the  outer  edges  of  the  arches, 
gave  support  during  the  cold  weather  to  a  roof  of 
double  glass,  which  covered  all  the  open  spaces  be 
tween  the  arches,  converting  the  whole  into  one  vast 
greenhouse,  through  which  passed  the  system  of 
heating  pipes  from  the  furnace  room  to  the  cottage, 
thus  providing  a  roomy  winter  home  for  an  army  of 
tropical  plants  and  shrubs  and  at  the  same  time  pro 
tecting  the  water  supply  from  the  ill  effects  of  all 
irost.  A  screen  of  interlacing  vines,  in  place  of  the 
glass  roof,  now  served  to  make  the  shade  of  the 
archway  almost  complete. 

Having  sufficiently  examined  the  exterior  and  be 
coming  to  some  extent  familliar  with  the  general 
plan  and  purpose  of  these  unique  arches,  Fillmore 
Flagg  and  Fern  Fenwick  returned  to  the  covered 
entrance  from  the  kitchen  porch.  Here,  as  they 
were  standing  a  few  feet  above  the  ground,  they  had 
an  unobstructed  view  of  the  interior  of  the  archway. 
Through  the  center,  where  the  lower  disc  of  the 
open  circles  touched  the  ground,  ran  a  deep  bed  of 
coarse  gravel,  covered  with  a  thick  layer  of  smooth 
round  pebbles,  forming  a  perfectly  drained  pathway 
about  three  feet  in  width  which  extended  uniformly 
from  one  end  of  the  archway  to  the  other.  Conform 
ing  to  the  contour  of  the  arches,  rising  and  receding 
in  unison,  this  pathway  was  bordered  on  either  side 
by  what  appeared  to  be  a  continuous  terrace  of  three 
stone  benches,  each  one  foot  high  and  of  the  same 
width.  These  benches  really  were  very  heavy  square 
terra  cotta  pipes,  ingeniously  cemented  together  with 
telescopic  joints,  and  having  thick,  grooved  covers 
which  formed  the  protecting  conduits  for  the  wires 


44  SOLARIS  FARM. 

1  T 

of  the  lighting  system  and  the  pipes  of  the  irriga 
ting  and  heating  apparatus. 

Artistically  arranged  on  these  benches,  in  pots 
that  were  beautifully  modeled,  colored  and  glazed, 
was  a  wonderful  collection  of  choice  ferns,  embrac 
ing  all  of  the  known  varieties  in  prodigal  profusion. 
The  pots  were  so  arranged  that  the  smaller  varieties 
occupied  the  lower  benches,  with  the  larger  ones  in 
gradually  increasing  sizes  on  the  higher  benches 
farther  back.  Viewed  from  either  end  of  the  arch 
way  they  formed  two  matchless  banks  of  the  rarest 
verdure  and  the  loveliest  foliage  the  world  ever  saw. 
Everywhere  the  eye  was  delighted  by  great  masses 
of  drooping  fronds  of  delicate  green,  like  rare  lace  in 
fineness — outrivaling  in  beauty  the  plumes  of  the 
famous  birds  of  paradise. 

"This  is  simply  superb!"  exclaimed  Fillmore  Flagg. 
"I  never  saw  anything  one  half  so  lovely  !  Shall  we 
walk  through  now?" 

"Wait  a  moment,  Mr.  Flagg,"  said  Fern  Fenwick. 
"The  twilight  shadows  are  so  deep  you  have,  as  yet, 
caught  only  a  glimpse  of  the  rare  beauty  of  my  lovely 
ferns."  Stepping  quickly  to  the  right  side  of  the 
first  arch,  she  pressed  a  button  and  lo !  those  won 
derful  banks  of  ferns,  and  all  the  space  of  the  arch 
way,  was  flooded  with  a  glory  of  soft,  clear  light.  A 
thousand  tiny  bulbs,  in  a  lovely  variety  of  flower  and 
fern  leaf  patterns,  gleamed  and  glowed  from  beneath 
the  ferny  banks  or  hung  pendant,  rainbow  like,  from 
the  roof  of  this  rock  ribbed  archway. 

Held  spellbound  for  some  moments  by  his  surprise, 
admiration  and  delight,  Fillmore  Flagg  murmured 
softly,  almost  in  a  whisper  :  '  'Can  anything  surpass 
this  vision  of  perfect  beauty  ?  " 

"Yes,"  said  Fern  Fenwick,  radiant   and  smiling, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  45 

"I  think  it  can  be  surpassed,  but  we  must  allow  the 
enchantress  to  use  her  magic  once  more,  by  giving 
my  darling  ferns  their  bath  of  beauty.  Then  you 
shall  see  them  in  their  diamond  robes." 

Saying  this,  she  pressed  another  button.  A  thous 
and  tiny  pipes,  concealed  in  the  ribs  of  the  stone 
roof,  gave  forth  a  shower  of  fine  spray,  filling  the 
long  fernery  with  a  hazy  mist  of  cobweb  fineness. 
Very  soon  millions  of  globules  of  moisture  gathered 
on  leaf,  stock,  frond,  plume  and  tiny  tip  of  every 
leaflet,  reflecting  each  ray  of  light  with  diamond- like 
brilliancy.  Pressing  another  button  to  shut  off  the 
spray,  Fern  Fenwick  said: 

"Now,  Mr.  Flagg,  my  ferns  have  donned  their 
royal  robes  and  are  ready  for  your  tour  of  admiring 
inspection.  I  assure  you  they  are  worthy  of  it.  As 
a  choice  collection  of  ferns  in  such  perfect  condition, 
its  equal  cannot  be  found  in  all  the  wide  world  !  As 
a  collector  I  am  an  enthusiast ;  for  many  months  I 
have  travelled  far  and  wide  in  my  efforts  to  add  new 
specimens  of  rare  beauty  to  the  original  collection. 
You  may  guess  how  much  I  prize  it  when  I  tell  you 
that  money  could  not  buy  it." 

"You  are  surely  a  most  wonderful  enchantress,"  re 
plied  Fillmore  Flagg.  '  'I  feel  that  under  the  potent 
spell  of  your  magical  wand,  I  have  entered  the  inner 
mysteries  of  some  glorious  temple  of  ferns,  in  a 
world  of  enchantment !  I  am  so  fascinated  and  daz 
zled  by  this  marvellous  display  of  brilliancy  and 
bsauty,  that  I  am  moved  to  pay  homage  to  you,  Miss 
Fenwick,  as  a  fitting  tribute  of  loyal  devotion  to 
Fern,  the  Fairy  Queen  of  this  fair  temple." 

As  he  finished  his  gallant  speech,  the  deep  tones 
of  emotion  vibrating  in  the  full  rich  voice  of  Fillmore 
Flagg,  and  the  look  of  intense  admiration  which 


46  SOLARIS  FARM. 

shone  so  eloquently  from  his  eyes,  brought  a  flush 
of  color  to  the  fair  face  of  Fern  Fenwick  and  warned 
her  that  it  was  time  to  be  moving.  Skillfully  keep 
ing  up  the  personification,  she  quickly  said : 

'  'Mr.  Flagg,  I  am  delighted  on  behalf  of  the  fairies 
to  express  thanks  for  the  glowing  tribute  to  their 
Queen  which  you  have  so  beautifully  voiced.  Let 
us  now  walk  through  to  the  end  of  the  fernery  and 
return.  As  we  pass  along  I  will  point  out  my  favor 
ite  plants." 

Only  a  few  steps  had  been  taken  when  Fillmore 
Flagg  paused,  listening  and  looking  about  him  in  all 
directions,  with  a  very  puzzled  expression.  A  de 
lightfully  cool  breeze  was  fanning  their  faces :  this 
breeze  was  laden  with  some  strangely  sweet  perfume 
both  soothing  and  stimulating  to  the  senses.  The 
air  all  about  them  seemed  to  vibrate  with  the  distant 
melody  of  some  angelic  music,  now  sinking,  now 
swelling  in  perfect  harmony ;  so  soft,  so  clear,  so 
bright,  so  inspiring  in  its  wealth  of  tone  and  joyous 
movement. 

"Ah  !  Miss  Fenwick,"  said  Fillmore  Flagg,  "my 
senses  are  all  entranced  !  Your  wonderful  fairies  in 
this  grotto  of  magic  are  at  this  moment  thrilling  my 
being  with  sensations  of  the  most  intense  delight! 
How  can  the  Fairy  Queen  explain  ?  What  has  she 
been  doing  with  her  magical  wand  to  produce  such 
delicious  perfume ;  such  entrancing  music  ?" 

Fern's  merry  laugh  rang  out  musically  clear,  and 
her  eyes  sparkled  roguishly  as  she  replied:  "I  as 
sure  you  Mr.  Flagg,  that  in  this  instance  the  fairies 
are  not  responsible.  The  explanation  is  quite  sim 
ple  but  rather  long.  Therefore  let  us  move  forward 
while  I  give  you  the  details :  As  we  were  stepping 
down  on  this  graveled  walk,  I  turned  the  switch  and 


SOLARIS  FARM.  47 

started  the  ventilating  fans,  at  the  same  time  connec 
ting  the  electric  current  with  a  series  of  melophones 
located  near  the  top  of  the  arches.  Along  the  ven 
tilating  tubes,  in  a  series  of  small  compartments,  are 
sponges  saturated  with  different  kinds  of  perfume. 
These  sponges  can  be  exposed  to  the  air  current  or 
withdrawn  at  will,  yielding  a  single  perfume  or  a 
blending  of  as  many  kinds  as  one  may  wish.  The 
wonderful  variety  of  these  choice  blendings,  which 
can  be  so  easily  produced,  affords  a  constant  succes 
sion  of  sweet  surprises.  The  melophones  which  you 
hear,  represent  the  highest  achievement  of  art  in  the 
production  of  automatic  musical  instruments.  This 
set  is  the  most  complete  and  the  most  expensive  one 
in  existence.  In  construction  and  final  completion 
they  cost  the  inventor  and  maker  three  years  of  con 
stant  thought  and  labor.  The  result  is  truly  mar 
vellous.  The  perfection  of  harmony  and  purity  of 
tone  are  convincing  testimonials  of  their  excellence. 
In  operation  these  instruments  are  placed  in  a  very 
large  double  tube  made  from  a  peculiar  kind  of  me 
tallic  alloy  recently  discovered,  which  affords  the 
most  perfect  conditions  for  the  conservation  and  con 
ductivity  of  all  musical  vibrations.  '  They  are  capa 
ble  of  producing  an  almost  endless  variety  of  choice 
music.  The  selection  which  we  hear  at  this  time,  is 
one  which  I  have  re-named  'The  Carol  of  the  Perns. ' 
Pardon  me,  Mr.  Plagg,  if  in  my  enthusiasm  over  the 
beauties  of  what  you  have  so  poetically  termed  my 
'magical  temple  of  ferns,'  some  of  my  statements 
should  sound  like  boasting;  I  assure  you  they  are 
not  so  intended.  I  trust  that  now  I  have  cleared  up 
the  mystery  to  your  perfect  satisfaction. " 

"Charmingly,"  said  Pillmore  Flagg,  "Nevertheless 
my  fairyland  illusions  still  abide  with  me ;  I  confess 


48  SOLARIS  FARM. 

I  am  still  under  the  spell  of  the  great  happiness  they 
have  given  to.me — I  shall  never  forget  it.  The  truth 
in  this  case  proves  even  stranger  than  fiction;  I  quite 
agree  with  you  that  in  all  the  wide  world  there  is 
nothing  like  this  !  It  seems  to  me  that  those  extra 
ordinary  melophones  yield  the  finest  music  I  have 
ever  heard.  In  sweetness  and  purity  of  tone,  soft 
ness  and  wealth  of  harmony,  which  is  pervaded  by 
some  electric  quality  of  inspiration,  so  stirring,  so 
thrilling  that  every  nerve  and  every  cell  in  the  body 
responds.  They  stand  unrivaled  as  the  very  acme 
of  musical  art.  I  now  understand  why  your  lovely 
home  here  should  be  named  'Fairy  Fern  Cottage. '  I 
fully  appreciate  the  significance  of  the  title.  This 
royal  tample  of  ferns  makes  the  name  most  fittingly 
appropriate,  and  easily  ranks  this  cottage  as  the 
eighth  wonder  of  the  world !  The  fame  of  its  rare 
beauty  should  be  known  in  every  land.  You  ought 
to  be  very  proud  of  it.  I  assure  you,  Miss  Fenwick, 
that  you  are  abundantly  justified  in  praising  it  en 
thusiastically  at  all  times,  without  fear  of  being  con 
sidered  egotistical.  But  tell  me,  if  I  may  be  permit 
ted  to  ask,  who  was  the  wonderful  genius  who  first 
conceived  and  planned  the  building  of  this  imposing 
line  of  arches?  So  useful,  so  ornamental,  so  unique, 
yet  so  perfectly  adapted  as  a  summer  and  a  winter 
home  for  your  ferns  and  flowers  and,  withal,  offering 
such  a  perfect  title  to  your  unrivaled  cottage  home. " 
''Thank  you,  Mr.  Flagg,  for  that  question.  In  my 
reply  I  am  eager  to  pay  a  deserved  tribute  to  the 
dearest  and  noblest  of  men — my  father.  Inspired  by 
his  love  for  me,  his  brilliant  mind  conceived  the  en 
tire  plan  and  purpose  of  this  curiously  novel  struct 
ure.  »  He  succeeded  in  completing  it  and  also  in  fil 
ing  it  with  the  original  collection  of  ferns,  without 


SOLARIS   FARM.  49 

my  knowledge.  On  the  morning  of  my  fifteenth 
birthday,  he  brought  me  here  to  bestow  upon  me 
this  priceless  gift.  The  surprise  was  a  perfect  one. 
When  he  made  me  understand  that  he  gave  with  it  a 
deed  to  the  cottage  and  grounds,  the  surprise  became 
so  intense  that  it  fairly  took  my  breath  away.  I  was 
so  overjoyed  that  by  turns  I  laughed,  and  cried,  and 
hugged  papa,  until  I  came  very  near  to  having  a 
genuine  fit  of  hysteria !  At  that  time  we  changed 
the  name  of  the  house  to  Fairy  Fern  Cottage.  This 
is  why  I  am  so  proud  and  so  fond  of  my  cottage 
home.  This  is  why  I  appreciate  your  praise  of  it  so 
much — why  I  am  so  thankful  for  it.  I  feel  sure  that 
you  will  now  appreciate  my  sincerity  when  I  repeat 
that  money  could  not  buy  it !" 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE    PROBLEM    VS.    A   GOOD    MAN   WHO    IS   AS    RICH 
AS   HE    IS   NOBLE. 

AFTER  supper  Fern  Fenwick  and  Fillmore  Flagg 
returned  to  the  tower  room  for  the  continuation  of 
the  story.  'She  began  by  saying  : 

"Let  us  return  to  my  father's  mining  operations 
in  Alaska.  In  1892,  Dewitt  C.  Dunbar  assumed  the 
active  management  of  the  Martina  mine.  A  large 
proportion  of  my  father's  surplus  capital  from  the 
mine  had  been  invested,  through  trusty  agents,  in 
the  cities  of  San  Francisco,  Saint  Paul,  Chicago, 
Washington  and  New  York.  We  at  once  planned  a 
tour  of  travel  that  would  give  him  the  opportunity 
t  ">  personally  inspect  these  investments,  and  at  the 


50  SOLARIS  FARM. 

same  time  give  me  a  chance  to  see  the  world,  and  to 
mingle  in  society,  or  so  much  of  it  as  a  continuous 
hotel  life  might  offer. 

For  my  mother  and  myself  this  delightful  tour 
was  one  long  holiday.  We  enjoyed  it  so  much.  To 
me  especially,  it  proved  exceedingly  profitable ;  geo 
graphically  speaking,  my  ideas  of  the  largeness  of 
the  world,  and  the  vast  number  of  its  people,  were 
wonderfully  expanded.  In  December,  1893,  father 
completed  his  investments  by  the  purchase  of  a  win 
ter  home  in  the  city  of  Washington,  and  this  summer 
home  here.  This  cottage  was  built  in  the  year  1900. 

During  the  summer  of  1894  we  visitod  the  brothers 
and  sisters  of  my  father,  who  were  at  that  time  liv 
ing  with  their  families  on  farms  in  Iowa,  Minnesota, 
Nebraska,  Kansas  and  Missouri.  As  was  generally 
the  rule,  with  a  large  class  of  farmers  in  those  states 
at  that  time,  we  found  them,  with  but  few  excep 
tions,  poor,  in  debt,  and  very  much  discouraged  by 
the  menacing  outlook  for  the  future.  Farm  interests 
everywhere  were  in  a  desperate  condition.  A  suc 
cession  of  twenty  years  of  falling  prices  for  all  farm 
products,  accompanied  by  frequent  calamities,  such 
as  hail  storms,  hurricanes,  hot,  blighting  winds, 
drouth  and  armies  of  grasshoppers,  had  so  multi 
plied  and  magnified  the  farm  debts,  and  so  reduced 
the  value  of  farm,  stock,  and  product,  that  even  the 
interest  on  the  indebtedness  could  no  longer  be  kept 
up ;  ruin  and  beggary  threatened  the  entire  commu 
nity  of  farmers.  Under  the  severe  pressure  of  these 
conditions,  great  numbers  of  the  more  unfortunate 
abandoned  their  farms  in  despair  and  sought  employ 
ment  elsewhere,  mostly  in  manufacturing  centres 
and  the  large  eastern  cities.  Much  of  the  money  and 
wealth  of  the  land  had  flown  to  those  points,  thither 


SOLARIS  FARM.  51 

logically,  they  followed,  to  enter  the  ranks  of  that 
vast  army  of  competitors  for  the  crumbs  that  might 
fall  from  the  table  of  an  already  glutted  labor  mart ; 
to  learn  by  bitter  experience  now  cruelly  the  system 
of  competition  in  all  kinds  of  business  can  grind  the 
helpless  poor ;  to  learn,  through  years  of  suffering, 
the  real  meaning  of  competition,  that  so  long  as  it 
rules  over  commercial  and  industrial  systems,  the 
rich  must  grow  richer  and  fewer  in  number,  while 
the  poor  must  grow  poorer,  and  more  and  more 
numerous ;  to  apprehend,  slowly  and  painfully,  that 
by  coming  from  farm  to  city  they  had  still  farther 
congested  the  already  overstocked  labor  market, 
thereby  adding  fierceness  to  the  competition,  insur 
ing  an  increase  in  the  purchasing  power  of  the  dol 
lars  of  those  who  held  the  labor  market,  while  they 
correspondingly  decreased  the  possibilities  for  earn 
ing  the  dollars  they  must  have  in  order  to  live ;  to 
perceive  dimly  in  their  desperation,  that  congestion 
of  the  labor  market  speedily  affected  all  markets ; 
that  an  overstocked  labor  market  always  meant  a 
decrease  of  wages,  which  in  turn,  caused  a  corres 
ponding  shrinkage  in  the  number  of  purchasers  for 
all  salable  goods  in  the  general  market,  followed  by 
increased  panic  and  stringency  in  the  money  market; 
which  speedily  rolled  up  another  disaster,  sweeping 
in  turn,  additional  thousands  into  the  ranks  of  the 
unemployed ;  demonstrating,  finally,  that  a  repetition 
of  these  evils  is  inevitable ;  that  competition  in  its 
last  analysis,  means  the  complete  destruction  of  all 
business. 

"As  my  father  came  to  understand  the  full  sig 
nificance  of  this  deplorable  situation,  involving  and 
distressing  his  own  brothers  and  sisters,  his  noble 
nature  was  grieved  and  shocked.  He  made  haste  to 


&  SOLARIS  FA&M. 

place  his  people  in  a  condition  of  financial  indepen 
dence.  How  happy  and  grateful  they  were !  And 
my  father  rejoiced  with  us  that  he  was  able  to  offer 
such  timely  assistance.  He  then  announced  to  us 
his  determination  to  devote  the  remainder  of  his  life, 
and  so  much  of  his  fortune  as  might  be  necessary, 
to  the  solution  of  the  problem  of  how  best  to  over 
come  the  blighting  evils  of  the  competitive  system. 
After  much  thought,  long  research  and  hard  study, 
he  decided  to  commence  with  the  land  as  the  neces 
sary  basis  of  all  progress ;  with  the  farm  as  the  ra 
tional  progressive  unit ;  with  improved  farm  methods 
on  co-operative  lines,  as  the  lever  by  which  to  re 
store  the  control  of  the  land  to  the  farmers,  and  to 
lift  them  and  their  sons  and  daughters  from  the  class 
of  ignorant  dependents,  to  a  class  of  cultured  inde 
pendents,  which  should  be  well  worthy  of  serving  as 
a  model  in  the  race  of  progress,  for  all  the  other 
classes.  In  his  efforts  to  modify,  correct,  and  re 
form  social  and  business  methods,  he  proposed  to 
usa  the  strong  and  kindly  arms  of  Co-operation  in 
fighting  the  evils  of  Competition,  or  its  representa 
tive,  the  pitiless  competitive  system.  He  reasoned 
that  all  forms  of  government  are  but  the  result  of 
co-operative  effort.  Both  experience  and  observa 
tion  had  taught  him  that  the  measure  of  excellence 
of  any  government  is  the  measure  of  its  perfection 
in  co-operation.  Therefore  it  logically  follows,  that 
the  more  perfect  the  co-operation  achieved  by  the 
administration  of  any  form  of  government,  the 
greater  the  degree  of  justice  and  equality  attained 
in  the  distribution  of  benefits  to  all  of  the  governed. " 


SOLARIS  FARM.  53 

CHAPTER  X. 

THE  REAPING  OF  THE  DEATH  ANGEL. 

"TOWARDS  the  close  of  the  summer  of  1895,  my 
father  placed  me  in  the  preparatory  department  of 
Vassar  College,  where  I  made  rapid  progress.  I  be 
gan  to  appreciate  the  superior  wisdom  of  the  meth 
ods  of  teaching  which  my  parents  had  so  systematic 
ally  carried  out  for  my  improvement.  Thanks  to 
their  efforts,  I  held  the  key  to  all  of  the  sciences, 
history  and  literature,  prose  and  poetry !  All  of 
their  principal  words  or  terms  with  their  definitions, 
were  familiar  friends  to  me ;  while  all  new  facts  re 
garding  their  various  subdivisions,  auxiliaries,  etc., 
and  the  relations  existing  between  them  as  such, 
were  matters  of  absorbing  interest  to  me ;  so  much 
so,  that  I  soon  became  master  of  the  subject  I  was 
studying,  very  often  proving  a  puzzling  surprise  to 
my  teachers.  At  the  age  of  twelve  I  entered  the 
regular  course  and  graduated  from  college  just  as  I 
was  entering  my  eighteenth  year,  being  by  four 
years  the  youngest  member  of  a  graduating  class  of 
one  hundred  girls. 

"Some  months  after  my  fourteenth  birthday,  my 
darling  mother  was  taken  from  me  in  the  mortal 
form,  very  suddenly  and  most  unexpectedly.  My 
father  was  away  from  home  on  a  long  trip  to  Alaska. 
I  was  at  Vassar.  My  mother  was  with,  a  congenial 
party  of  friends  at  a  favorite  seaside  resort.  One 
day  while  bathing,  one  lady  of  the  party  swam  too 
far  out,  was  taken  with  a  cramp  and  shrieked  for 
help.  My  mother,  who  was  nearest,  being  an  excel 
lent  swimmer,  courageously  went  to  her  assistance. 
Unfortunately,  the  tide  was  running  full  and  strong 


54  SOLARIS  FARM, 

and  was  against  my  mother  in  her  heroic  struggle  to 
save  her  friend.  Alas  !  before  aid  could  reach  them 
both  sank  beneath  the  waves  and  were  lost.  My  no 
ble  mother  had  generously  sacrificed  her  earthly  ex 
istence  in  her  brave  effort  to  save  the  life  of  another! 
This  was  my  first  experience  of  the  grief  and  deso 
lation  that  follows  the  reaping  of  the  Death  Angel. 
In  my  youth,  my  half-dazed  condition,  I  could  neither 
realize  nor  understand  what  later  became  so  plain  to 
me ;  that  to  die  is  to  live  again.  That  death,  so- 
called,  is  but  the  change  from  one  form  of  life  to 
another,  which  is  still  higher  in  the  scale  of  prog 
ress.  Nor  could  I  then  realize,  that  for  the  purpose 
of  bringing  to  me  a  consciousness  of  the  possibilities 
of  my  spiritual  being ;  under  the  ministrations  of  the 
angel  of  compensation,  out  of  the  very  depths  of  the 
gulf  of  bereavement  and  sadness  through  which  I 
was  passing,  there  was  coming  to  me  the  precious 
gift  of  a  priceless  mediumship,  the  marvelous  key ! 
the  all-potent  'open  sesame'  with  which  to  unlock 
the  gates  between  the  two  worlds  and  reunite  the 
separated  loved  ones  on  either  side. 

'  'At  that  time  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  then  but  recently 
widowed,  was  in  charge  of  the  old  home  here.  She 
was  an  excellent  medium  who  had  often  proved  her 
self  worthy  of  my  mother's  entire  confidence.  Act 
ing  under  the  guidance  of  my  arisen  mother,  she  at 
once,  without  hesitation,  took  charge  of  all  business 
arrangements,  especially  those  of  preparing  for  the 
cremation  of  my  mother's  body,  in  accordance  with 
her  often  expressed  wish.  She  telegraphed  the  sad 
news  to  my  father  in  Alaska,  asking  for  instructions. 
He  replied  at  once  that  the  body  must  be  cremated, 
as  my  mother  had  directed  in  her  will.  He  would 
return  as  soon  as  possible,  but  at  the  best  he  could 


SOLARIS  FARM.  55 

not  hope  to  arrive  in  less  than  two  months.  In.  the 
meantime,  Mrs.  Bainbridge  was  authorized  to  take 
entire  charge  of  'Fern,'  and  of  his  business  affairs 
that  needed  attention,  until  he  came. 

"I  came  home  from  college,  sorely  grieved  and 
shocked  at  the  awful  suddenness  of  my  mother's 
transition,  but  through  the  mediumship  of  Mrs. 
Bainbridge,  my  mother,  having  her  in  a  deep  trance, 
was  soon  able  to  comfort  me ;  to  make  me  realize 
that  she  was  not  dead,  but  still  near  me  with  all  a 
mother's  love  and  tender  care.  Frojm  time  to  time 
she  directed  Mrs.  Bainbridge  how  to  manage  the 
pressing  business  that  came  up.  She  told  me  that 
she  had  long  known  that  I  was  endowed  with  won 
derful  mediumistic  power,  which  must  now  be  fully 
developed  for  her  sake,  as  a  necessary  and  natural 
channel  of  communication  so  desirable  to  her,  which 
she  should  prize  very  highly.  Also  as  a  source  of 
comfort  for  myself  and  my  father,  especially  as  a 
joyful  surprise  for  him  when  he  came  home.  There 
fore  it  was  decided  between  us  that  I  was  to  sit  one 
hour  each  day  with  Mrs.  Bainbridge  for  develop 
ment.  My  mother  seemed  to  feel  sure  that  I  would 
make  an  excellent  trumpet  medium,  and  encouraged 
me  by  predicting  my  speedy  development  as  such. 
Strangely  enough,  so  it  proved.  My  progress  was 
rapid.  In  two  weeks  time  my  mother  could  speak  to 
me  through  the  trumpet  without  difficulty  and  much 
to  my  delight.  I  began  to  appreciate  the  great  value 
of  my  wonderful  gift  and  to  understand  what  it 
meant.  Our  dear  family  circle,  which  in  my  despair 
I  had  thought  broken  forever,  was  now  reunited. 
Father,  mother,  daughter !  just  us  three  as  of  yore. 
And — the  wonder  of  it — I,  the  youngest,  the  weakest 
and  the  least  wise  of  the  trio,  was  the  instrument ! 


56  SOLARIS   FARM. 

When  I  thought  of  the  possibilities,  of  the  joy  and 
consolation  it  would  bring  to  my  father  and  mother, 
my  heart  swelled  with  gratitude  and  thankfulness 
that  this  mighty  power  had  come  to  me.  The  power 
to  destroy  the  dread  of  death ;  to  demonstrate  the 
continuity  of  life ;  to  prove  that  the  binding  love  of 
family  ties,  kindred,  and  cherished  friends  still  shone 
with  untarnished  lustre  beyond  the  shadows  of  the 
silent  grave.  How  beautiful,  how  wonderful,  how 
glorious  it  was !  And  with  this  power  came  the 
solemn  charge  that  I  was  to  cherish  it  with  care  and 
keep  it  pure  and  holy.  Yes,  I  resolved  that  I  would 
do  this  conscientiously.  It  should  be  my  highest 
ambition  to  ever  use  my  mediumship  with  my  best 
and  most  unselfish  aspirations,  to  keep  it  apart  from 
the  grosser  things  of  life,  to  dedicate  it  to  good  and 
to  good  alone.  And  thus  it  was  that  my  medium- 
ship  continued  to  develop  and  grow  in  perfection. 
My  mother  could  talk  with  me  as  often  as  she  wished 
and  as  long  at  each  sitting  as  she  desired.  I  was  no 
longer  alone  or  despondent,  my  darling  mother  still 
could  be,  and  was  roally,  my  mentor,  friend,  parent, 
teacher  and  spiritual  guide.  I  forgot  to  mourn  or  to 
feel  lonely,  though  I  longed  for  my  father's  home 
coming  that  we  might  share  this  new  found  joy.  So 
interested  was  I  and  so  occupied,  that  the  two  months 
quickly  passed  and  my  dear  father  reached  his  home 
in  safety.  I  had  arranged  for  a  quiet  evening  with 
him  alone.  When  my  mother,  through  the  trumpet, 
joined  in  the  conversation  and  welcomed  him  with 
loving  words  of  endearment,  so  familiar  in  the  greet 
ings  of  other  days,  he  was  almost  overcome  by  the 
flood  of  ecstatic  emotions  that  moved  and  thrilled 
him  as  he  began  to  appreciate  the  significance  of 
such  a  miraculous  surprise.  His  heart  was  glowing 


SOLARIS  FARM.  57 

and  his  entire  being  permeated  with  this  great  wave 
of  happiness.  His  face  was  radiant  with  joy  and 
beamed  with  fatherly  affection  and  pride  as  he 
pressed  me  to  his  heart  again  and  again,  thanking 
me  for  my  thoughtful  spiritual  work  in  the  develop 
ment  of  my  wonderful  gift,  which,  for  his  consola 
tion,  I  had  striven  so  unselfishly,  so  ardently  and 
so  earnestly  to  attain,  while  facing  alone  the  one 
great  crisis  of  my  young  life.  Still  holding  me  in 
his  arms,  he  looked  into  my  eyes  long  and  fondly,  al 
most  adoringly,  as  he  said :  'With  such  a  daughter, 
whose  loving  heart  and  purity  of  soul  has  won  for 
her  the  marvellous  power  to  reunite  our  broken 
family  circle,  I  am  indeed  the  most  fortunate  of  all 
men.'  Then  in  a  moment  I  perceived  that  I  was  no 
longer  a  child,  I  was  a  woman ;  that  henceforth  my 
father  would  think  of  me  as  a  woman — still  his  lov 
ing  daughter — but  also  his  equal,  his  confidant,  his 
trusted  friend,  his  adviser  in  times  of  need,  his  ora 
cle,  his  medium  of  communication  with  the  loved 
ones  who  dwelt  in  the  world  of  spirit.  How  good 
and  beautiful  was  life  in  the  light  of  this  new  vista 
of  possibilities  and  responsibilities  for  me  !  For  the 
moment  I  seemed  to  be  transported  to  some  grand 
spiritual  height,  where  as  a  responsive  spiritual 
unit,  I  felt  the  throbbing  of  the  limitless  sea  of  envi 
ronmental  life  surrounding  me  like  a  golden  mist,  on 
every  hand.  Every  pulsation  proclaimed  my  immor 
tality  as  a  part  of  that  boundless  sea ;  boundless, 
fathomless,  unthinkably  shoreless !  of  life,  all-pro 
ducing,  all-containing!  My  soul  no  longer  questioned. 
It  was  filled  with  a  peace  and  joy  that  passeth  the 
power  of  words  to  describe. 

"Thus  inspired  and  encouraged  for  the  future,  I 
was  ready  and  eager  to  take  up  again  the  active  du- 


58  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ties  of  life.  In  resuming  my  collegiate  studies,  it 
was  agreed  between  my  father  and  mother  and  my 
self,  that  I  should  come  home  from  Vassar  every 
Friday  evening,  returning  by  the  early  train  Mon 
day  morning,  the  intervening  time  to  be  sacredly  de 
voted  to  our  trumpet  family  circles.  Oh,  Mr.  Flagg! 
How  happy  we  were  then  !  For  the  next  three  years 
nothing  was  allowed  to  interfere  with  these  delight 
ful  reunions,  whose  memories  are  associated  with  so 
many  incidents  that  bound  us  three  so  closely  with 
the  silver  cords  of  pure  affection. 

"After  leaving  college,  I  accompanied  my  father 
in  all  of  his  journey  ings  after  new  data  in  economics 
and  agriculture.  For  this  purpose  we  spent  the 
winter  of  1902-3,  travelling  in  France,  Italy,  Ger 
many  and  England,  returning  to  America  in  April, 
1903. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

THE   MARTINA   MINE. 

1 '  EARLY  IN  June  of  the  same  year,  Dewitt  C.  Dun- 
bar  discovered  a  new  lead  in  the  Martina  mine  which 
proved  to  be  of  such  marvelous  size  and  richness, 
that  my  father's  personal  inspection  was  demanded 
at  the  earliest  possible  moment,  to  decide  on  the  best 
methods  of  pushing  forward  the  new  work,  and  also 
to  determine  what  part  of  the  old  work  should  be 
continued.  The  numerous  letters  and  telegrams 
from  Mr.  Dunbar,  all  urging  the  utmost  haste  on  my 
father's  part,  gave  him  but  little  time  to  consider 
the  results  of  such  a  long  journey,  or  to  make  the 


SOLARIS  FARM.  59 

proper  preparations  for  it.  It  was  evident  that  Mr. 
Dunbar  must  be  in  a  state  of  intense  excitement.  In 
order  to  catch  the  next  steamer  from  San  Francisco, 
father  left  a  number  of  important  items  of  business 
for  me  to  transact.  I  wished  very  much  to  go  with 
him  but  all  the  circumstances  seemed  to  conspire 
against  me.  Father  promised  to  return  at  the  ear 
liest  possible  moment,  meanwhile  he  was  to  send  me 
a  dispatch  announcing  his  safe  arrival  in  Alaska. 
By  the  end  of  July,  messages,  and  later,  letters 
began  to  reach  me  announcing  the  wonderful  output 
of  gold  from  the  new  lead.  So  rich  was  the  ore  that 
for  a  time  it  was  thought  best  to  abandon  all  work 
in  the  old  mine.  I  could  see  very  plainly  from  his 
letters  that  the  fever  of  Mr.  Dunbar's  excitement 
and  enthusiasm  had  also  claimed  my  father  as  a  vic 
tim.  I  then  foresaw  that  his  stay  in  Alaska  would 
be  prolonged  far  beyond  my  expectations  or  his  own. 
I  began  to  feel  very  uneasy  and  to  wish  most  fer 
vently  that  I  had  insisted  on  going  with  him.  I  re 
solved  in  future  to  keep  him  company  wherever  he 
journeyed.  Meanwhile  the  yield  of  gold  from  the 
new  lead  continued  to  increase.  The  value  of  the 
Martina  rose  like  magic ;  offers  to  purchase  at  fabu 
lous  prices  came  pouring  in.  Mr.  Dunbar  would  not 
accept,  and  decided,  then  and  there,  to  remain  an 
other  ten  years  as  manager  and  resident  superintend 
ent  of  the  mine.  That  settled  the  question.  After 
that,  my  father  announced  that  the  mine  was  not  for 
sale  at  any  price.  In  writing  to  me  concerning  the 
matter,  he  says : 

< "  My  Dear  Fern  :  *  *  *  I  at  that  time  decided 
that  my  interest  in  the  mine  which  I  had  named  for 
your  mother,  and  which  had  proven  the  luckiest  and 
richest  in  Alaska,  should  pass  to  you  as  it  came  to 


60  SOLARIS  FARM. 

me,  entirely  unincumbered.  So  rest  assured,  my 
daughter,  so  long  as  Dewitt  C.  Dunbar  is  able  and 
willing  to  manage  the  mine,  both  my  interests  and 
yours  are  in  safe  hands ;  in  skill,  honesty  and  ability 
he  is  one  of  the  grandest  men  I  have  ever  known ;  he 
is  a  treasure.  You  can  trust  him  implicitly  ! ' 

''As  I  had  anticipated,  it  was  December  before  my 
father  could  leave  Alaska.  In  a  letter  dated  Dec.  5, 
to  which  I  shall  again  refer,  he  says  : 

"'I  have  planned  to  leave  here  on  a  steamer  that 
sails  on  the  tenth  of  this  month.  I  fear  the  voyage 
may  prove  a  rough  one.  I  have  a  foolish  dread  of 
it,  which  is  quite  unusual  for  me.  I  am  oppressed 
by  an  uneasy  feeling  which  I  strive  in  vain  to  shake 
off.  However,  I  have  taken  good  care  to  make  such 
arrangements  with  Mr.  Dunbar  as  will  cover  all  pos 
sible  contingencies.  This  is  to  be  my  last  trip. ' 

' '  On  the  twelfth  of  December  I  received  a  message 
from  Mr.  Dunbar,  stating  that  Fennimore  Fenwick 
had  sailed  on  the  tenth  as  he  had  planned ;  that  he 
was  well  and  strong,  and  would  wire  me  as  soon  as 
he  reached  San  Francisco.  This  cheering  message 
gave  me  new  courage,  I  began  to  count  the  days  and 
to  look  forward  more  hopefully.  I  decided,  although 
it  was  so  late  in  the  season,  to  wait  here  in  the  cot 
tage  until  my  father  came.  When  Mrs.  Bainbridge 
left  to  open  our  house  in  Washington,  I  had  intended 
to  follow  her  a  few  days  before  Christmas,  but  for 
some  unexplained  reason,  I  could  not  make  up  my 
mind  to  leave  the  cottage.  After  the  message  came 
the  question  was  settled — I  was  to  remain  here. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  61 

CHAPTER  XII. 

SPIRIT   AND   MORTAL. — FATHER   AND   DAUGHTER. 

"AT  THIS  point,  Mr.  Flagg,  I  wish  you  to  care 
fully  note  the  significance  of  the  strange  event  which 
soon  followed.  Christmas  Eve,  1903,  found  me  here 
alone,  seated  at  my  desk,  alternately  reading,  mus 
ing  and  writing.  All  day  a  terriffic  snow  storm  had 
been  raging,  at  nightfall  it  continued  with  increased 
severity.  I  could  hear  the  fierce  gale  shriek  as  it 
lashed  the  tree  tops  furiously.  I  shuddered  when  I 
thought  what  danger  such  a  gale  might  mean  to  the 
good  steamer,  bearing  my  father  homeward  bound 
across  the  rough,  icy  waters  of  that  far  off  wintry 
sea ;  that  yawning,  terrible,  treacherous  sea ! 

"During  the  afternoon  I  had  been  nervous  and 
lonely.  As  a  solace,  I  had  a  long  talk  from  my 
mother  through  the  trumpet,  which  cheered  and 
comforted  me  greatly,  especially  her  confident  prom 
ise  that  I  should  hear  from  papa  even  sooner  than  I 
had  hoped.  Over  this  I  was  musing  when  a  strange 
thing  happened.  I  was  startled  by  the  low  tones  of 
a  familiar  voice  from  the  trumpet.  Almost  frozen 
with  fear,  I  heard :  '  Do  not  be  frightened,  my  dar 
ling;  I  am  your  father,  Fennimore  Fenwick,  who 
loves  you,  if  possible,  more  than  ever.  A  frightful 
storm  wrecked  the  steamer  and  released  me  from 
my  body.  Nearly  all  of  the  passengers  and  crew 
perished  with  me.  A  few  still  survive ;  they  are  in 
a  single  open  boat,  tossing  helplessly  in  the  awful 
surge  of  that  wild  waste  of  water,  possibly  they  may 
yet  be  saved.  My  dear  wife,  Martina,  your  own 
beautiful  mother,  was  watching  and  waiting  for  me 
at  the  scene  of  the  wreck.  Hers  the  beautiful  arms 


62  SOLARIS  FARM. 

that  welcomed  me  as  I  was  born  into  the  new  life  of 
the  spirit.  How  glorious  it  was  that  she,  so  dear  to 
me,  could  be  there.  In  the  radiance  and  splendor  of 
all  her  spiritual  loveliness,  I  was  charmed  almost  to 
the  point  of  forgetfulness.  I  seemed  to  be  floating 
on  the  bosom  of  a  sea  of  golden  mist,  my  spirit  filled 
with  a  measureless  contentment.  Presently  I  awoke 
to  a  vivid  consciousness  of  my  new  life.  In  the  light 
of  the  loving  eyes  of  my  peerless  Martina,  I  was 
soon  made  to  realize  that  I  had  just  passed  painless 
ly  from  life  mortal  to  life  spiritual.  I  perceived  that 
time  and  space  no  longer  barred  the  flight  of  my 
freed  spirit.  Hand  in  hand  we  came  ;  almost  before 
I  knew  it  we  were  here.  Thanks  to  your  medium- 
ship,  and  to  this  trumpet,  I  could  come  and  speak  to 
you  so  soon.  Yes,  my  dear  child,  we  three,  a  lov 
ing  trio,  are  still  united  just  as  of  yore.  I  shall  be 
permitted  to  help  you,  from  this  side  of  life,  to  carry 
out  and  complete  my  plans  and  purposes  regarding 
improved  modes  of  farm  life.  I  wrote  you  from 
Alaska  on  the  fifth  of  this  month,  announcing  my  in 
tention  of  sailing  on  the  tenth  ,  that  letter  came  by 
a  Victoria  steamer  and  will  soon  reach  you.  At  that 
time  I  was  weighed  down  by  a  premonition  of  some 
impending  disaster.  So  seriously  was  I  impressed, 
that  I  at  once  made  arrangements  with  Dewitt  C. 
Dunbar,  in  case  of  my  death,  to  continue  to  operate 
the  mine  in  partnership  with  you  on  the  terms  now 
in  force,  and  this  he  was  perfectly  willing  to  do. 
By  the  terms  of  my  will,  now  in  the  hands  of  my  at 
torneys  at  Washington,  you  are  at  this  moment,  sole 
heir  to  my  large  fortune.  As  you  know,  I  long  ago 
placed  my  brothers  and  sisters  beyond  the  reach  of 
want.  Well  do  I  know,  my  dear  girl,  that  I  can 
trust  you  perfectly,  to  carry  forward  my  work,' 


SOLARIS  FARM.  63 

"As  his  voice  ceased  to  vibrate  in  the  trumpet,  I 
sprang  to  my  feet  with  outstretched  and  imploring 
hands :  'Father ! '  I  cried,  *  How  can  I  do  this  work 
alone?  I  am  yet  but  a  child,  with  a  very  limited 
business  experience  to  fit  me  for  this  great  responsi 
bility.'  He  at  once  replied:  'Fear  not,  my  child. 
Faithful,  capable,  and  trustworthy  help  shall  be 
brought  to  you.  At  all  times  I  shall  be  near,  to  ad 
vise,  and  to  guard  you  and  your  interests.  Go  for 
ward  bravely  in  the  conscious  power  of  your  own  po 
tential  spirit,  dominant  and  dauntless.  Armed  with 
the  majesty  and  mystery  of  your  mediumship,  all 
obstacles  shall  yield,  and  naught  shall  prevail  over 
you  ! '  This  prophetic  command,  so  thrilling,  so  im 
perative,  touched  and  stirred  my  inner  self ;  my  soul 
responded  to  the  appeal.  In  one  brief  moment  I  re 
gained  my  self  control ;  was  calm,  could  think  clearly 
and  reason  logically. 

"At  intervals  throughout  the  night  I  continued  to 
consult  with  my  parents.  My  father  advised  me  to 
write  at  once,  announcing  his  death,  and  requesting 
Mr.  Dunbar  to  fix  a  time  at  which  he  could  meet  me 
in  San  Francisco,  for  a  conference.  This  I  did  at 
the  earliest  practicable  moment.1' 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

QUESTIONS    AND    ANSWERS. 

AT  THIS  point  in  her  story,  Fern  Fenwick  said : 
"Mr.  Flagg,  I  now  realize  the  wonderful  prescience 
of  my  father's  promise  of  abundant  and  timely  help, 
especially  when  I  consider  your  life  work,  and  the 


64  SOLARIS  FARM. 

masterly  way  you  have  equipped  yourself  for  it,  and 
finally,  by  the  mysterious  manner  in  which  we  were 
brought  together.  Is  it  not  almost  like  a  miracle  ? '' 

"Really,  Miss  Fenwick,  I  am  lost  in  amazement! 
It  seems  to  me  that  I  must  be  dreaming  !  The  situa 
tion  is  so  entirely  outside  of  my  experience,  so  un- 
thinkably  strange  to  me,  that  I  doubt  my  ability  to 
discuss  it  intelligently.  Your  story  is  the  most  mar 
velous  of  anything  I  have  ever  heard.  I  feel  quite 
sure  that  it  must  be  strictly  true,  yet  I  can  scarcely 
comprehend  it.  A  host  of  questions  arise  in  my 
mind,  which  I  wish  to  ask,  if  I  may  be  permitted. 
When  you  heard  the  voice  from  the  trumpet,  how 
could  you  feel  so  sure  it  was  your  father  speaking  ? 
That  he  had  been  swallowed  up  by  the  sea?  .  That 
the  shipwreck  had  really  occurred  ?  " 

"I  do  not  wonder  at  your  questions,  Mr.  Flagg," 
said  Fern  Fenwick,  "  Iwill  gladly  answer  as  best  I 
can.  Without  considering  or  discussing  the  fact  that 
the  crucial  test  of  identity  was  disclosed  by  almost 
every  word  which  my  father  uttered,  yet  I  could  not 
for  a  moment  doubt  his  presence.  I  knew  he  was 
there..  I  recognized  every  intonation  of  the  voice.  I 
felt  the  identity  of  his  spiritual  personality,  radiant 
with  the  silent  force  of  his  love  for  me,  quite  as 
plainly  as  though  at  that  moment  his  physical  per 
sonality  had  entered  the  room.  My  experience  after 
my  mother's  transition,  the  development  of  my  me- 
diumship,  and  my  increased  sensitiveness  to  the 
presence  of  spiritual  entities,  no  doubt  aided  me 
greatly.  At  that  time  I  perceived  and  recognized 
without  question,  that  life  in  the  physical  is  but  the 
expression  of  the  spirit,  or  Ego ;  that  after  the  pass 
ing  of  the  physical,  the  Ego  inherits  and  possesses 
immortality  as  a  conscious  individual  entity,  clothed 


SOLARIS  FARM.  65 

with  a  spiritual  body,  perfectly  fitted  for  its  con 
tinued  existence  in  the  realms  of  the  world  of  spirit ; 
that,  through  the  action  of  a  natural  law,  the  law  of 
mediumship,  such  spirits  can  and  do,  come  to  and 
communicate  with  their  friends  and  loved  ones  in 
earth  life.  All  these  things,  I  knew  my  father  un 
derstood  clearly,  therefore  I  was  prepared  to  accept 
the  verity  of  his  spiritual  presence  as  readily  as  I 
would  any  other  phenomenon  of  nature.  In  conclu 
sion,  I  may  as  well  tell  you  at  this  point,  that  the 
letter  referred  to  by  father  as  having  been  written 
by  him  in  Alaska  on  December  fifth,  together  with 
my  conference  in  San  Francisco,  some  months  later, 
with  Dewitt  C.  Dunbar ;  the  arrival  in  port  at  that 
time  of  a  China  steamer,  bringing  the  mate  and  four 
sailors  as  sole  survivors  from  the  wreck  of  the  ill- 
fated  steamer,  and  my  interview  with  them,  all  con 
firmed,  in  every  particular,  the  truth  of  the  state 
ments  concerning  the  matter,  which  were  made  by 
my  spirit  father,  just  after  his  passage  through  the 
gateway  of  death  from  life  mortal  to  life  spiritual. 
Can  I  add  anything  more  convincing  ?  " 

"Pardon  me,  Miss  Fenwick !  I  believe  what  you 
have  told  me  is  absolutely  true.  I  can  perceive  and 
appreciate  its  wonderful  significance  only  in  part.  I 
understand  now  clearly  why  it  was  necessary  for  me 
to  know  so  much  of  the  story  of  your  life  and  that 
of  your  noble  father.  I  have  listened  to  your  story 
with  almost  breathless  interest,  with  all  I  am  pro 
foundly  impressed.  A  new  world  is  opening  to  me. 
My  mental  and  spiritual  horizon  has  been  extended 
beyond  the  power  of  words  to  express.  Life  has  a 
thousand  new  meanings :  In  them  I  read  the  impor 
tance  and  responsibility  of  the  great  work  we  are 
about  to  undertake.  I  wait  with  increased  interest 


66  SOLARIS  FARM. 

for  my  personal  interview  with  your  father.  Now 
that  I  have  heard  so  much  of  him,  I  bow  with  added 
reverence  to  his  great  and  noble  love  for  humanity 
which  prompted,  and  his  wonderful  genius  which 
conceived  and  planned  the  work  so  generously.  1 
am  proud  and  thankful  that  I  have  been  chosen  as 
an  instrument  deemed  capable  and  worthy  of  help 
ing  to  carry  it  forward. 

"As  to  things  spiritual,  pertaining  to  a  life  beyond 
the  grave,  I  am  intensely  interested  and  eager  tc 
know  more.  May  I  hope,  Miss  Fenwick,  that  you 
will  kindly  consent  to  become  my  teacher  in  this 
new  school  of  wonderful  phenomena  and  spiritua 
law  ?  I  too,  am  alone  in  the  world ;  my  father  anc 
mother  have  both  passed  the  bitter  flood  of  the  dark 
river  of  death.  They  too,  like  your  parents,  must 
now  be  living  in  the  world  of  spirit  as  conscious, 
loving  father  and  mother,  with  hearts  filled  with  a 
living,  glowing  affection  that  can  and  will  respond 
to  my  own.  Can  it  be  possible  that  I  am  to  feel  and 
know  this  by  direct  communication  with  them  ?  " 

"I  shall  be  delighted,  Mr.  Flagg,  to  help  you  in 
this  matter  in  any  way  that  I  can.  Your  desire  foi 
a  direct  communication  from  your  parents  is  per 
fectly  natural  and  right  and,  I  doubt  not,  will  be 
fully  gratified  in  a  few  days. 

"In  this  connection,  let  me  ask:  Have  you  eve] 
had  a  seance  with  a  medium  ?  Do  you  know  anything 
about  the  laws  that  control  and  govern  mediumshipi 
Have  you  been  interested  to  any  extent  in  reading 
the  all-comprehensive  philosophy  which  medium 
ship  demonstrates?" 

"I  am  very  glad,  Miss  Fenwick,  that  you  hav€ 
put  those  questions.  I  desire  to  state  briefly  anc 
frankly  my  attitude,  up  to  this  time,  towards  me 


SOLARIS  FARM.  67 

diumship  and  the  philosophy  and  phenomena  of 
spiritual  manifestations  generally :  I  believe  I  was 
a  born  agnostic.  All  my  life  I  have  been  skeptical 
as  to  the  verity  of  a  life  beyond  the  grave.  In  this 
I  have  differed  widely  from  my  people,  a  large  ma 
jority  of  whom  have  been  zealous  Presbyterians  for 
at  least  five  generations,  while  I  have  followed  Vol 
taire  and  Ingersoll.  In  the  ranks  of  their  following 
I  have  been  content  to  cry  :  *  I  don't  know  !  I  can 
wait !  One  world  at  a  time  is  enough  for  me  ! '  As 
to  mediumship,  or  any  manifestations  of  it,  I  know 
almost  nothing.  The  few  mediums  I  have  met  acci 
dentally,  have  unfortunately  failed  to  impress  me 
favorably.  All  that  I  have  heard  or  read  of  them 
has  had  a  strong  tendency  to  predjudice  me  against 
them  and  the  philosophy  they  taught.  Therefore, 
until  my  visit  to  this  cottage,  I  have  never  been  at 
all  interested  in  the  matter.  I  now  perceive  that  in 
studying  the  great  problem  of  life,  and  how  best  to 
learn  most  about  it,  I  have  utterly  ignored  one  of  the 
most  important  sources  of  both  information  and  in 
spiration.  My  predjudice  and  indifference  have  van 
ished.  I  wonder  at  myself,  at  my  readiness  to  acept 
your  point  of  view  regarding  your  most  marvelous 
|  mediumship  and  its  wonderful  manifestations  ;  at  my 
'feverish  interest  and  anxiety  to  learn  all  I  can  about 
things  spiritual  at  the  earliest  possible  moment ;  at 
my  intense  longing  for  the  complete  verification  of 
|  all  the  beautiful  propositions  relating  to  spiritual  life 
which  you  have  stated  so  eloquently  and  so  convinc 
ingly  ;  but  most  of  all  do  I  wonder  and  am  amazed 
that  these  things  are  not  miracles;  that  they  occur 
through  the  action  of  natural  law,  which,  if  true, 
makes  it  possible— nay  probable— that  mediumship 
its  manifestations  are  as  old  as  life  itself.  This, 


68  SOLARIS  FARM. 

Miss  Fenwick,  defines  my  position  as  clearly  as  I  can 
state  it.  Do  you  think  I  am  likely  to  prove  a  pupil 
worthy  of  his  teacher  ?  " 

"I  most  assuredly  do,  Mr.  Flagg,"  said  Fern.  "I 
think  you  are  now  prepared  for  the  promised  inter 
view  with  my  father.  However,  before  he  joins  us, 
I  wish  to  say  by  way  of  explanation,  that  when  I  am 
here  alone,  he  can  use  the  trumpet  with  ease  at  any 
moment  and  in  any  kind  of  light,  but  in  the  presence 
of  strangers,  different  conditions  are  required.  We 
shall  at  first  be  obliged  to  use  another  kind  of  light. 
By  the  aid  of  this  light  you  can  plainly  see  the  trum 
pet,  supported  horizontally  in  the  air  just  over  his 
chair,  but  you  will  be  unable  to  discern  even  the 
faintest  outline  of  the  spiritual  form  holding  it ;  as 
in  using  the  trumpet,  the  vital  force  of  both  the 
manifesting  spirit  and  the  medium  is  concentrated  in 
the  trumpet  in  the  effort  of  speaking.  Sit  perfectly 
quiet  for  a  moment ;  I  will  close  the  windows  and 
prepare  the  room." 

A  few  touches  on  the  small  keyboard  in  her  desk, 
and  lo  the  heavy  double  curtains  swiftly  and  silently 
unrolled  and  covered  the  windows.  At  the  same 
moment,  the  beautifully  ornamented,  dome  shaped 
center  of  the  lofty  ceiling  began  to  glow  with  a  con 
stellation  of  soft,  phosphorescent  lights,  filling  the 
room  with  a  radiance  as  mild  and  silvery  as  moon 
light,  and  yet  even  more  soothing  to  the  nerves. 
Presently  the  air  was  vibrant  with  the  low,  sweet 
strains  of  distant  music,  soft  and  slow  and  of  such 
exquisite  harmony  that  it  seemed  a  rare  combination 
of  all  that  was  inspiring,  charming  and  beautiful  in 
the  variations  of  time,  sound  and  rythm.  The  com 
bined  effect  of  the  light  and  the  music  on  Fillmore 
Flagg  was  electrical.  Every  nerve  was  thrilled 


SOLARIS  FARM.  69 

with  rapture.  He  was  completely  absorbed.  As  the 
music  ceased  he  turned  with  a  start  to  look  for  the 
trumpet.  As  he  looked,  it  slowly  rose  from  the 
chair  and  there  came  from  it  the  clear  tones  of  a 
manly  voice,  full  of  sweetness  and  power.  He  heard 
these  words:  "Fern,  my  daughter,  will  you  tell 
this  gentleman  who  I  am  ?  " 

"My  dear  father,"  said  Fern,  "How  glad  I  am 
;  that  you  have  joined  us !  Mr.  Flagg,  this  is  my 
j  father,  Fennimore  Fonwick,  of  whom  I  have  told 
j  you  so  much.  Father,  this  is  Mr.  Fillmore  Flagg, 
I  who,  as  you  already  know,  has  promised  to  devote 
himself  to  our  work." 

As  the  trumpet  slowly  moved  nearer,  Mr.  Fenwick 
said:  "Mr.  Flagg,  as  the  father  of  Fern  Fenwick, 
I  extend  to  you  a  cordial  greeting  and  a  most  hearty 
welcome  to  Fairy  Fern  Cottage.  I  trust  this  is  but 
the  commencement  of  a  long  and  uninterrupted  ac- 
luaintence,  which  may  soon  ripen  into  a  true  friend 
ship,  that  shall  bring  much  pleasure  and  profit  to 
both.  I  am  exceedingly  well  pleased  with  your  ad 
vanced  ideas  on  the  subject  of  co-operative  farming 
as  the  proper  cure  for  the  evils  that  now  make  farm 
life  so  miserable  and  so  unsatisfactory.  I  wish  par 
ticularly  to  congratulate  you  on  the  thoroughly  sys 
tematic  and  successful  methods  you  have  adopted  to 
'it  yourself  so  well  for  this  peculiar  work. 

"Now  my  young  friend,  one  moment  to  another 
natter  which  is  likely  to  prove  of  great  interest  to 
'pu.  I  find  your  parents  in  spirit  life.  I  met  them 
Jince  you  came  to  the  cottage.  They  approve  of 
'our  chosen  life  work.  They  are  very  proud  of  you, 
neir  beloved  son  and  only  child.  They  bid  me  give 
ou  a  message  of  love  with  the  assurance  that  they 
v  i  speak  to  you  through  this  trumpet  very  soon." 


70  SOLARIS   FARM. 

"Mr.    Fenwick,"    said   Fillmore  Flagg,    "I  thank 
you  for  the  encouragement  of  your  kindly  greeting 
and  for  the  many  pleasant  things  you  have  said  of 
me  and  my  work.     In  the  future  I  shall  strive  con 
scientiously  to  merit  your  praise,  and  hope  to  earn 
your  lasting  friendship.     As  to  the  glad  tidings  from 
my  parents  in  spirit  life,  I  am  rejoiced.     In  my  heart 
the  torch  of  hope  is  lighted ;  its  pure  flame  is  fast 
burning  away  the  barriers  of   the  belief  I  have  so 
long  entertained,  that  'Death  ends  all,'  also  of  the 
equally  depressing  creed  of  my  Presbyterian  people, 
who  have   so   long   taught   and  thought  that   'The 
dead  know  not   anything;'    that  my   parents,  with 
that  vast  army  of  souls,  having  passed  the  portals 
of  the  tomb,  are  now  lost  in  the  oblivion  of  that  long 
unconscious,    dreamless    slumber,    which    stretches 
from  the  new  made  grave  to  The  Day  of  Judgment. 
Hence,  the  message  of  love  from  my  parents,  with 
the  assurance  that  they  will  speak  to  me  so  soon, 
has  made  me  very  happy.     I  am  content  to  wait  pa 
tiently  for   such  further  messages   as   opportunity 
may  bring  to  me.     I  am  ready  and  eager,  Mr.  Fen- 
wick,  to  hear  your  plans.     Please  proceed." 

"Very  well,"  said  Fennimore  Fenwick.  "Fern, 
my  daughter,  you  are  to  remain  at  your  desk  with 
pencil  and  note  book,  prepared  to  take  down  what  I 
have  to  say." 


SOLARIS  FARM.  71 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE  ETHICS  OP  PLANETARY  EVOLUTION. 

"In  order  to  plan  this  work  wisely,  and  to  discuss 
it  understandingly,  it  will  be  necessary  at  the  begin 
ning  to  go  back  to  first  principles,  to  try  to  discover 
the  real  object  and  purpose  of  human  life  on  this 
planet.  In  searching  along  the  pathway  of  count 
less  ages  in  our  planet's  history,  we  discover  a  con 
tinuous  upward  movement  in  the  progression  of  the 
manifestations  of  life ;  from  the  mineral  to  the  vege 
table  ;  from  the  vegetable  to  the  animal ;  from  the 
animal  to  man.  Man  representing  the  apex  of  prog 
ress  in  the  constantly  ascending  spiral  of  the  evolu 
tion  of  life  from  the  birth  of  the  planet  to  the  pres 
ent  time.  Therefore,  both  spirit  and  mortal,  we  are 
all  children  of  the  planet,  chained  to  its  destiny,  all 
alike  working  factors  in  the  achievement  of  its  pur 
pose  so  mighty.  Through  the  planet,  its  solar  sys 
tem,  and  the  system  of  systems  in  a  long  line  of  an 
infinite  series,  far  beyond  the  power  of  computation, 
we  are  also  the  children  of  the  Great  Oversoul,  the 
Source  and  Center  of  all  life  ! 

"Human  life,  then,  is  the  flower  and  fruit  of  the 
planet — the  highest  combined  expression  of  its  life — 
each  life  a  planetary  seed,  a  concentrated  possibility 
of  all  expressions  of  planet  life.  Perhaps  the  most 
convincing  and  beautiful  illustration  of  the  truth  of 
this  vital  and  all  important  proposition  is,  that  the 
reproductive  cells  of  man  in  his  highest  state  of  de 
velopment,  multiply  by  fission,  or  self-division  into 
halves,  as  did  the  primal  sperm  of  protoplasm  at  the 
very  beginning  of  vegetable  and  animal  life.  This 


72  SOLARIS  FARM. 

great  philogenetic  vine  with  its  myriads  of  branch 
ing  arms,  reaches  in  an  unbroken  line  from  the  low 
est  to  the  highest  forms  of  life ;  all  alike  are  fruit  of 
this  vine.  This  offers  indisputable  evidence  of  the 
common  brotherhood  of  humanity !  the  motherhood 
of  the  planet !  the  fatherhood  of  the  Great  Oversoul ! 
"From  these  premises  we  may  safely  conclude 
that  the  object  and  purpose  of  this  planet  is  the  evo 
lution  of  human  beings,  their  continued  growth  and 
development,  until  the  state  of  perfection  for  the  en 
tire  race  is  reached.  With  this  comes  the  complete; 
achievement  of  the  purpose  of  the  existence  of  the 
planet.  Hence,  we  perceive  that  human  life  is  the 
most  precious  production  of  the  planet.  Henceforth 
its  energies  are  to  flow  towards  the  perfecting  of  the 
human  race. 

"In  the  great,  white  light  of  a  higher  understand 
ing  of  these  basic  and  vital  truths,  let  us  strive  to 
make  conditions  for  the  protection  of  ALL  human 
life.  The  task  becomes  less  difficult  as  we  more 
readily  comprehend  and  appreciate  the  magnitude 
of  the  thought,  that  through  the  planet,  this  sacred 
life  is  the  immortal  and  enduring  expression  of  the 
Eternal  Spirit.  Viewed  in  this  light,  we  apprehenc 
clearly  that  all  acts,  by  society  or  individuals,  which 
tend  to  protect,  promote  and  purify  this  life,  ar( 
good,  right  and  holy,  and  in  their  doing,  become  the 
highest  and  best  expression  of  a  sacred  religious 
duty.  On  the  contrary,  all  acts  of  society  or  indi< 
viduals,  which  tend  to  destroy,  injure,  poison  O] 
sully  this  sacred  life,  or  to  bar  its  ordained  progress, 
are,  in  themselves,  unholy,  wrong,  criminal  anc 
cruel,  and  in  commission,  become  the  greatest  anc 
most  unpardonable  of  all  sins. 

"All  this  becomes  more  apparent,  when  we  con 


SOLARIS  FARM.  73 

sider  that  the  sum  of  the  pleasant  sensations  of  the 
individual,  and  the  happifying  emotions  which  flow 
from  them,  constitutes  the  sum  of  human  happiness. 
All  conditions  of  life  which  promote  right  living, 
ethical  culture  and  moral  growth,  nourish  and  call 
forth  emotions  of  truth  and  honesty,  pure  pleasure, 
adoration,  worship,  hope,  affection,  love  and  all  the 
higher  and  nobler  characteristics,  build  up  life  and 
increase  its  capacity  for  happiness.  Through  the 
action  of  an  equally  inexorable  and  unswerving  law, 
the  misery  and  crime  which  poverty  breeds,  with 
its  bitterness  of  hate,  grief  and  despair,  and  all  the 
train  of  other  evil  emotions  engendered  thereby,  are 
poisonous  in  their  nature;  they  tear  down  .and  de 
stroy  life.  Therefore  that  social  and  industrial  sys 
tem  which  affords  most  abundantly,  and  for  all  of  the 
people,  conditions  that  are  life-promoting  and  pover 
ty-banishing,  is  logically  the  nearest  just  and  right, 
because  it  is  the  nearest  in  harmony  with  natural 
law,  and  the  object  and  purpose  of  human  life. 

"Society  as  a  whole,  like  a  chain  with  defective 
links,  is  no  stronger  socially,  morally,  industrially, 
or  politically,  than  its  weakest  unit.  Hence  it  be 
comes  the  self  interest  of  every  individual  member 
to  endeavor  unselfishly  to  build  up  and  strengthen 
the  weaker  units  in  every  possible  way. 

"These  propositions  furnish  the  only  sound  basis 
for  a  perfect  system  of  political  economy — a  system 
which  shall  afford  the  greatest  amount  of  good  or 
happiness  to  all  the  people.  In  considering  the 
clearness  and  startling  significance  of  these  truths, 
.we  discover  the  cruel,  criminal  wrong  of  any  system 
of  competition,  based  on  the  old  barbaric  law  of  the 
survival  of  the  fittest,  which  in  its  application  means 
the  pleasure  and  happiness  of  the  few  at  the  expense 


71  SOLARIS  FARM. 

of  the  toil,  pain  and  misery  of  the  many.     In  this 
connection  we  note  that  man,  in  his  evolutionary 
progress,  has  reached  a  point  where,  being  mentally 
and  spiritually   awakened  to   a  knowledge  of    the 
higher  purposes  of  life,  he  perceives  the  true  effect 
of  environmental  conditions,   with  their  good  and 
evil  tendencies.    He  also  perceives  the  cause  and  the 
cure.     Armed  with  the  talisman  of  this  knowledge, 
he  boldly  enters  the  field  of  causation  and  thencefor 
ward  becomes  a  self-directing  factor  in  his  own  evo 
lution.     At  this  important  stage,  he  clearly  compre 
hends,  that  the  injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all; 
that  the  perfection  of  all  becomes  the. highest  inter 
est  of  each ;  that  the  unprogressive  law  of  the  sur 
vival  of  the  fittest,  is  nullified  and  replaced  by  the 
higher  law  of  unselfishness  of  the  individual  for  the 
advancement  of  the  race ;   that  the  dual  nature  of 
man,  physical  and  spiritual,  must  be  considered  as 
inseparable,  when  dealing  with  the  practical  ques 
tions  of    life;   that  physical   life,    as   the    primary 
school  of  existence,  is  ephemeral,  while  the  spiritu 
al    is    the    permanent    and   enduring;    that,  conse 
quently,  the  path  of  progress  for  the  human  soul, 
lies  almost  entirely  in  the  realms  of  the  spiritual; 
that  a  life  on  the  physical  plane,  devoted  solely  to 
selfishness,  dwarfs  and  chokes  the  spiritual  nature, 
and  becomes  a  serious  bar  to  unfoldment  and  prog 
ress  on  the   spiritual  plane  of   existence:     Finally, 
that,  like  the  pent  up  energies  of  some  mighty  vol 
cano,  the  irresistible  upward  thrust  of  nature's  un 
foldment,  ever  producing  and  disclosing  higher  ex 
pressions  of  life,  is  to  find  its  present  outlet  through 
these  channels,  by  the  wise  use  of  methods  in  har 
mony  with  the  principles  stated. " 


SOLARIS  FARM.  75 

CHAPTER  XV. 

THE   CO-OPERATIVE    FARM   AS   A   FACTOR   IN   SOCIAL 
EVOLUTION. 

"FROM  the  thorough  understanding  and  appreci 
ation  of  these  principles,  by  the  workers  on  your 
model  co-operative  farm,  must  come  the  necessary 
zeal,  the  cementing  enthusiasm  of  a  mighty  purpose 
which,  with  ever  increasing  volume,  shall  urge  them 
forward  to  the  goal  of  complete  success.  As  one  of 
the  means  to  insure  this  success,  we  must  strive  to 
introduce  a  new  era  for  agriculture,  in  which  co-op 
erative  working  shall  be  supplemented  and  rein 
forced  by  co-operative  thinking.  As  applied  to  farm 
work,  this  is  a  new  and  untried  field  which  promises 
grand  results. 

"In  all  kinds  of  productive  labor,  muscular  effort 
is  a  mental  demonstration !  The  keener  the  men 
tality  controlling  the  muscles,  the  more  satisfactory 
the  work  accomplished.  The  more  interested  and 
the  healthier  and  happier  the  laborer  is  in  his  work, 
the  easier  it  becomes  for  him  to  produce  superior  re 
sults.  For  centuries,  farm  work  has  been  considered 
the  natural  avocation  of  the  ignorant  and  the  illiter 
ate  !  Strange  as  it  may  appear,  it  seems  to  have 
been  generally  conceded  that  the  typical  clodhopper 
was  the  ordained  farmer  !  That  this  perverted  idea 
regarding  the  requirements  of  a  tiller  of  the  soil, 
should  have  maintained  its  existence  for  so  many 
ages,  is  a  matter  of  profound  astonishment  to  every 
intelligent  thinker !" 

"Pardon  me,  Mr.  Fenwick,''  said  Fillmore  Flagg, 
"if  at  this  time  I  quote  a  case  in  point  from  my  own 


76  SOLARIS  FARM. 

state.  As  late  as  the  year  1897,  a  Bishop  Withing- 
ton,  of  Nebraska,  speaking  of  farmers'  sons  who 
were  struggling  for  an  education,  says  of  them : 

1  i  i  The  farmers'  sons — a  great  many  of  them — who 
have  absolutely  no  ability  to  rise,  get  a  taste  of  edu 
cation  and  follow  it  up.  They  will  never  amount  to 
anything — that  is,  many  of  them — and  they  become 
dissatisfied  to  follow  in  the  walk  of  life  that  God  in 
tended  they  should,  and  drift  into  cities.  It  is  the 
over- education  of  those  who  are  not  qualified  to  re 
ceive  it  that  fills  our  cities,  while  the  farms  lie  idle. ' 

"This,  Mr.  Fenwick,  is  but  a  sample  of  many  like 
expressions  from  the  lips  of  public  men,  showing 
the  stigma  and  low  estimate  which  is  placed  on  far 
mers  as  a  class,  by  clerical,  professional  and  commer 
cial  people.  When  we  consider  that  farming  people 
form  a  large  majority  of  the  citizens  of  our  republic, 
a  republic  whose  constitution  guarantees  equal  rights 
for  all;  whose  chief  corner  stone  from  the  beginning, 
has  been  its  admirable  system  of  free  education  in 
its  public  schools;  the  manifest  endeavor  of  the 
Bishop  and  his  class,  to  consign  the  tillers  of  the 
soil  to  a  caste  of  low  order,  and  to  argue  that  educa 
tion  is  for  the  few  and  not  for  the  farmer,  indicates 
something  radically  wrong  in  our  social  system  that 
augurs  ill  for  the  future  of  our  republic.  That  the 
dissatisfaction  is  widespread  and  serious,  is  manifest 
to  all  thinkers  and  observers.  To  discover  the  cause1 
and  cure,  and  to  speedily  apply  the  remedy  for  this) 
growing  discontent,  becomes  an  imperative  duty  fotf 
all  patriotic  people.  In  my  experience,  the  follow 
ing  are  some  of  the  most  prolific  causes  : 

"The  isolation  and  loneliness  of  the  small  farm. 

"The  long  hours  of  tedious,  monotonous  toil  for, 
both  man  and  woman. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  77 

"The  constantly  increasing  competition  of  large 
farms,  armed  with  capital  and  expensive  machinery, 
which  tends  to  reduce  the  price  of  farm  products. 

"The  want  of  proper  society,  healthful  amuse 
ments/books,  and  many  other  necessary  educational 
facilities. 

"The  discouraging  meagerness  of  the  financial  re 
turns  for  a  year  of  such  constant  toil. 

"These  things  all  tend  to  destroy  the  farmer's 
love  for,  and  pride  in,  his  occupation,  until  farm 
work  becomes  a  repulsive  drudgery,  and  he  flies  to 
the  city  for  a  more  congenial  employment.  Is  it 
then,  under  the  circumstances,  any  wonder  that  the 
farmers'  sons  should  become  dissatisfied  with  the 
occupation  of  their  birth  ?  That  in  company  with 
their  sisters  and  sweethearts  they  should  be  deter 
mined,  at  all  hazards,  to  escape  from  the  evils  of 
what  Bishop  Withington  terms  a  'God-ordained'  class 
of  hewers  of  wood,  drawers  of  water,  and  tillers  of 
the  soil,  a  class  which  dooms  them  and  their  chil 
dren  to  a  future  of  hopeless  toil  ? 

' '  Agriculture  forms  the  basis  and  support  of  our 
national,  industrial  and  commercial  success.     There 
fore  it  is   imperative  that  agricultural  pursuits  be 
made  to  become  the  most  noble  and  pleasing  of  all 
'Occupations.     How  can  this  be  accomplished? 

"Surely,  co-operative  farming,  with  its  improved 
•  conditions  and  methods,  is  the  remedy  indicated  ! " 

"Yes,  Mr.  Flagg,"  said  Fennimore  Fenwick,  "Co- 

<  operative  farming  is  the  partial  remedy  which  shall 

start  the  healing  process,  and  lead  to  the  discovery 

of  a  perfect  cure.     You  have  ably  stated  the  evils 

which  make  living  on  small  farms  so  unsatisfactory. 

You  have  also  made  an  excellent  argument  fcr  our 

1  work  from  the  text  Bishop  Withington  has  so  blindly 


78  SOLARIS  FARM. 

and  unthinkingly  furnished.  It  is  quite  evident  that 
neither  he  nor  his  class,  have  the  least  conception  of 
the  true  cause  of  the  discontent  they  so  deeply  de 
plore,  It  is  also  equally  clear  that  with  all  the  ad 
vantages  of  superior  conditions,  with  the  observa 
tion  and  education  of  a  lifetime,  they  have  so  far, 
utterly  failed  to  understand  or  appreciate  the  real 
object  and  purpose  of  human  life.  They  are  sorely 
in  need  of  an  object  lesson  which  we  must  furnish. 

' '  In  efforts  to  slake  a  natural  thirst  for  knowledge, 
the  brightest  minds,  the  most  profound  thinkers  of 
the  past  ten  centuries,  at  the  end  of  lives  devoted  to 
study,  have  declared  that  the  vast  domain  of  knowl 
edge  still  remained  practically  an  unexplored  field. 
This  domain  is  for  coming  generations  to  conquer 
and  possess.  It  invites  the  efforts  of  millions  of  co 
operative  thinkers,  born  and  trained  for  the  task. 
Hence,  to  me,  it  is  as  clear  as  the  noonday  sun  that 
the  embodiment  of  more  mind  by  our  agricultural 
people,  is  a  matter  of  imperative  necessity.  They 
should  have  the  leisure  and  the  opportunity  to  be 
come  familiar  with  all  the  varied  phenomena  of  na 
ture,  through  the  recorded  observations  that  com 
prise  the  different  sciences,  which  describe  and  ex 
plain  all  phases  of  surrounding  life.  Thus  equipped, 
they  will  be  able  to  discover  that  they  are  a  living, 
working,  part  of  nature,  which  defined,  means  the 
combined  life  of  the  planet ;  that  they  act  upon  all 
things  about  them  and  are  in  turn  acted  upon.  A, 
comprehension  of  these  things  can  come  only  to  th£ 
cultivated  mind,  and  the  richer  its  store  of  facts,  the 
more  perfect  its  grasp  and  control  of  surrounding^ 
conditions.  Therefore  mind,  as  the  expression  of 
the  soul  and  body  of  the  dual  individual  on  the  phys-j 
ical  plane  of  existence,  is  EVERYTHING  !  It  controls 


SOLARIS  FARM.  79 

and  molds  structure ;  the  body ;  the  people  around. 
'All  history  is  but  a  detailed  description  of  the  action 
of  mind. 

"The  great  minds  are  the  dominant  thinkers;  they 
sway  the  multitude,  mold  public  opinion,  effect  legis 
lation  and  shape  the  nation.  These  dominant  minds 
should  come  from  the  people  of  the  soil,  as  best 
equipped  to  discover  and  proclaim  the  law  of  the 
planet's  unfoldment,  also  best  able  to  conceive  and 
formulate  the  wise  laws  which  should  guide  and 
•govern  its  people.  Hence  the  necessity  for  our  far 
mers  to  become  thinkers — dominant  thinkers. 

"What  are  the  best  conditions  for  mind  unfold 
ment  ? 

"As  Professor  Elmer  Gates  so  wisely  says,  'The 
human  body  is  composed  of  myriads  of  living  organ 
isms — a  co-operative  colony  of  more  or  less  intelli 
gent  cells — which  respond  to  the  control  of  the  indi 
vidual  Ego  through  the  action  of  the  mind,  and  to 
the  electrical  conditions  which  flow  from  the  emo 
tions.  '  Hence  the  body  is  an  important  part  of  the 
thinking  machine  and,  therefore,  a  perfect  mind 
smust  absolutely  be  the  highest  expression  of  a  per 
fect  body.  The  perfect  body  needs  to  be  well  born. 
!To  be  well  born,  is  to  demand  conditions  for  a  per 
fect  motherhood,  and  the  perfect  unfoldment  of  both 
mother  and  child  together. 

1 '  Where  can  these  conditions  be  found  ? 

"We  find  them  best  and  most  abundant  in  the 
rural  districts,  far  from  the  turmoil  and  strife,  the 
smoke  and  poisonous  gases  of  the  great  city.  Sur 
rounded  by  fields  and  forests,  in  the  pure  air  of  a 
broad  expanse  of  country,  domed  with  the  blue  sky, 
and  flooded  with  golden  sunlight,  on  the  soil  of  the 
farm,  close  to  the  fostering  bosom  of  our  planet 


80  SOLARIS  FARM. 

mother,  Earth.  Therefore  it  must  be  the  distinctive 
and  well  denned  purpose  of  our  co-operative  farm  to 
furnish  and  perfect  these  conditions,  thus  uniting  in 
perfect  harmony  stirpiculture  with  agriculture,  a 
union  as  poetical  as  it  is  practical.  From  these  con 
ditions  must  come  a  race  of  dominant  thinkers,  the 
exponents  and  champions  of  the  real  objects  and 
purposes  of  human  life. 

' '  With  the  coming  of  such  a  race,  comes  the  begin 
ning  of  the  era  of  unselfishness,  and  the  end  of  the 
present  era  of  selfishnes,  the  age  of  gold  worship, 
where  greed  for  gold  blights  and  withers  public  and 
private  conscience,  dominates  and  corrupts  all  forms 
of  society,  and  makes  conditions  which  breed  mo 
nopolies,  caste,  tramps,  paupers,  armies  of  idle  men, 
strikes,  discontent,  starvation  and  revolution ! 

"Verily,  a  perfect  catalogue  of  the  ways  and 
means  by  which  'Man's  inhumanity  to  man,  makes 
countless  millions  mourn ! '  With  the  dawn  of  the 
unselfish  era,  comes  the  demonstration  of  how  man's 
humanity  to  man  can  and  wil]  make  countless  mill 
ions  rejoice ! 

' '  In  selecting  the  people  who  are  to  be  the  active, 
working  members  of  our  co-operative  farm,  it  is  a 
matter  of  the  utmost  importance  that  they  should  be 
chosen  from  a  class  of  persons  who  are  capable  oJ 
thinking  in  harmony  on  religious  and  political  ques 
tions,  who  are  already  in  sympathy  with  progres-, 
sive  ideas  and  co-operative  work,  intelligently  alive 
to  its  importance  and  to  its  advantages,  capable  of 
understanding  and  appreciating  that  it  is  not  the 
sole  purpose  of  the  organization  to  make  money  but 
also  to  accomplish  a  multitude  of  things  besides  : 

* '  First  and  foremost,  to  ennoble  the  occupation  of 
their  birthright. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  81 

"To  make  farming  the  most  charming1  and  health 
ful  and  most  desirable  of  all  vocations. 

1 1  To  make  it  so  remunerative  that  a  reserve  fund 
can  be  accumulated,  sufficiently  large  to  enable  its 
members  to  purchase  the  necessary  land  for  an  ever 
increasing  series  of  co-operative  farms,  for  their 
children  and  their  children's  children  for  genera 
tions  yet  to  come. 

"To  unite  stirpiculture  so  closely  with  agriculture 
that  a  race  of  perfect  children  shall  be  the  crowning 
glory  of  all  the  productions  of  the  farm. 

"To  afford  ideal  conditions  for  motherhood  and 
childhood,  that  all  children  may  be  proudly  wel 
comed  to  a  world  of  loving  hearts  ;  that  they  may  be 
well  born,  wisely  and  beautifully  unfolded  mentally, 
morally,  spiritually  and  physically ;  that  they  may 
be  skillfully  taught  how  to  work;  to  think,  to  reason, 
and  to  comprehend  and  appreciate  the  true  purposes 
of  life,  consequently  their  duties  as  true  men  and  wo 
men—self-poised  and  noble,  a  law  unto  themselves — 
capable  and  fully  prepared  to  enter  the  walks  of  life 
as  worthy  and  honored  citizens  of  an  ideal  republic. 

' '  That  it  is  to  be  the  province  of  the  farm,  by  the 
co-operative  thinking  of  its  workers,  to  develop  and 
increase  the  fertility  and  productiveness  of  the  val 
leys  and  plains  to  such  an  extent  that  the  hills  and 
mountains  may  be  reclothed  with  beautiful  forests 
of  choice  trees,  of  varieties  most  valued  for  lumber 
and  timber ;  also  great  orchards  of  the  choicest  va 
rieties  of  fruit  and  nut  bearing  trees,  as  a  source  of 
future  pleasure  and  profit,  at  the  same  time  prepar 
ing  the  way  for  a  more  complete  control  of  climatic 
conditions.  By  the  process  of  shading  and  protect 
ing  the  slopes  of  both  hill  and  mountain  by  these 
valuable  forests,  a  magical  change  for  the  better  is 


82  SOLARIS  FARM. 

effected.  Everywhere  a  soft,  spongy  carpet  of  fal 
len  leaves,  ever  increasing  in  thickness,  is  spread 
out,  moistening  and  enriching  the  soil  and  conserv 
ing  the  waters  of  the  increased  rainfall.  A  thousand 
living  springs  of  pure,  sparkling  water  make  glad 
the  plains  and  valleys.  The  evils  of  flood,  erosion 
and  drouth  are  checked ;  the  climate  made  more  con 
genial;  the  value  of  both  hill  and  mountain,  as  a 
source  of  wealth,  increased  a  thousand  fold. 

"Aided  by  the  organization  of  our  co-operative 
association,  which  makes  it  possible  to  treat  large 
tracts  of  land  as  a  single  farm,  this  great  work  can 
be  easily  and  surely  accomplished  by  the  earnest 
and  united  efforts  of  a  people  who,  surrounded  by 
conditions  of  comfort  and  plenty,  are  in  a  suitable 
mood  to  plant  what  their  children  and  coming  gen 
erations  may  enjoy. 

"As  an  evidence  of  man's  awakening  conscious 
ness  of  his  power,  by  means  of  intelligent  co-opera 
tion,  to  make  conditions  that  shall  protect  him  and 
his  loved  ones  from  the  many  calamities  which  have 
hitherto  beset  and  overwhelmed  human  lives,  we 
note  the  extraordinary  work  accomplished  by  the 
different  classes  of  insurance  companies,  during  the 
past  fifty  years.  These  companies  are  in  fact  large 
bodies  of  people,  incorporated  and  working  co-opera 
tively  and  systematically  together  to  protect  them 
selves.  The  success  which  has  followed  their  efforts 
in  this  direction  has,  for  the  thinker,  a  marked  sig 
nificance,  pregnant  with  suggestions  for  the  future. 
In  the  co-operative  farm,  organized  and  carried  for 
ward  on  lines  in  harmony  with  the  principles  and: 
purposes  before  stated,  this  system  of  insurance,  in 
its  simplest,  least  expensive  and  most  practical  form, 
is  to  be  carried  to  its  fullest  extent  into  all  the 


SOLARIS  FARM.  83 

departments  of  life.  By  its  wise  provisions  for  the 
care  and  protection  of  the  weaker  units,  it  insures 
its  members  against  loss  of  employment  or  wages ; 
against  sickness,  injury  or  accident;  against  poverty, 
hunger  and  crime.  It  insures  to  all,  for  themselves 
and  their  children,  the  perpetual  right  to  occupy  and 
till  the  soil,  and  thus  to  secure  by  short  hours  of 
pleasant,  attractive  labor,  the  generous  return  which 
can  be  obtained  only  by  the  most  perfect  system  of 
scientific,  co-operative  farming,  armed  with  abun 
dant  capital.  In  addition,  it  insures  to  them  all  the 
advantages  of  birth,  health,  education,  society  and 
amusement  which  money  can  buy  for  the  wealthy : 
more  leisure,  more  opportunities  for  mental,  social, 
ethical  and  scientific  self-culture.  It  also  insures  to 
the  world  at  large  an  object  lesson  which  shall  dem 
onstrate  that  the  way  is  open  for  the  poorest  farm 
laborer  to  secure  the  same  results  by  joining  these 
progressive  co-operative  bodies. 

"In  looking  forward  to  the  effect  upon  society 
which  these  combined  farms  may  have,  we  must 
consider  the  numbers  and  strength  of  the  opposing 
force  which,  on  every  hand,  will  rise  up  as  a  bar  to 
progress.  For  years,  gold,  that  concentrated  essence 
of  selfishness,  has  been  recognized  by  its  worshipers 
as  the  crowned  king  of  society,  whose  crimson  ban 
ners  have  borne  these  suggestive  mottoes :  *  I  am 
not  my  brother's  keeper !  His  injuries  concern  me 
not ! '  'Every  man  for  himself  ! '  'It  is  well  and  good 
and  right  that  the  happiness  of  the  few  should  be 
secured  at  the  expense  of  the  misery  of  the  many, 
for  is  it  not  written,  "The  poor  ye  have  always.  "? ' 

"Fortunately,  the  law  of  compensation  limits  and 
finally  crushes  the  reign  of  selfishness,  causing  it 
to  perish  by  its  own  efforts  to  live,  which  in  time 


84  SOLARIS  FARM. 

destroy  the  substance  upon  which  it  feeds.  Hence 
we  may  look  hopefully  to  the  future.  With  pro 
phetic  eyes  we  may  behold  the  victorious  march  of 
these  farm  units  by  companies,  battalions,  regi 
ments,  brigades  and  divisions,  like  a  vast  army  of 
peace,  silently  spreading,  absorbing  and  conquering 
the  old  selfish  system,  grandly  demonstrating  the 
solidarity  of  human  life,  and  the  irresistible  force  of 
the  combined  efforts  of  thousands  of  bravely  unself 
ish  souls,  working  and  thinking  in  unison,  filled  with 
enthusiasm  kindled  and  inspired  by  the  magnitude 
and  grandeur  of  the  true  purposes  of  life. 

"Having  thus  broadly  outlined  the  scope  of  the 
work,  with  its  underlying  principles,  we  may  now 
give  attention  to  the  details  of  the  plan  for  the  ini 
tial  farm.  In  this  I  would  advise  that  the  enterprise 
be  made  to  adapt  itself,  so  far  as  possible,  to  the 
present  commercial  and  industrial  conditions.  That 
it  be  an  incorporated  stock  company,  limited.  That 
its  corporate  life  be  for  the  longest  possible  term  of 
years,  with  the  right  to  renew.  That  it  shall  secure 
and  control  at  least  five  thousand  acres  of  land,  to 
more  readily  enable  it  to  dominate  the  township,  as 
the  lowest  political  unit  of  the  republic ;  and  also  to 
give  room  for  the  planting  of  suitable  forests.  That 
its  capital  stock  be  limited  to  one  thousand  shares, 
to  be  divided  equally  among  five  hundred  co-opera 
tors,  composed  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  couples  or 
families.  That  at  the  end  of  five  years'the  stock  be 
issued  to  the  subscribers  as  paid  up  stock,  by  cash 
from  the  sinking  fund,  paid  in  for  that  purpose. 
That  the  stock  of  a  retiring  member  can  be  sold 
only  to  the  treasury  of  the  company,  the  same  to  be 
re-issued  to  the  succeeding  member.  That  in  order 
to  avoid  friction  with  the  outside  commercial  world, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  85 

the  stockholders  collectively  shall  sell  to  themselves 
individually,  at  ruling  market  prices,  whatever  they 
may  need,  the  profits  to  go  as  a  contribution  from 
all  to  the  insurance  fund  for  the  aged.  That  the 
care  of  the  sick  and  the  injured,  and  the  education 
of  the  children,  be  classed  and  paid  as  a  legitimate 
expense  of  the  farm.  That  the  co-operators  collec 
tively,  pay  to  themselves  individually,  a  wage  suf 
ficiently  generous  to  enable  them  to  purchase  what 
they  may  desire  in  the  way  of  furniture,  food  and 
and  clothing ;  allowing  for  a  liberal  percentage  to  be 
devoted  to  the  sinking  fund,  to  pay  for  the  farm,  the 
stock,  and  also  for  the  additional  land  that  may  be 
secured  as  future  farms  for  the  children.  That  all 
other  details  necessary  for  the  successful  carrying 
out  of  these  plans,  be  left  for  a  satisfactory  solution, 
to  the  practical  working  and  co-operative  thinking 
of  the  members  of  the  farm. 

"I  wish  you,  Mr.  Flagg,  as  soon  as  may  be  con 
venient,  to  make  a  tour  of  inspection  for  the  pur 
pose  of  selecting  and  purchasing  ten  of  the  most 
available  sites  for  such  farms  that  you  can  find. 
From  the  ten  you  shall  choose  the  one  best  adapted 
to  the  conditions  required  for  the  initial  farm. 

"After  occupation,  at  the  end  of  five  years,  these 
lands  are  to  be  sold  to  the  co-operators,  at  the  pur 
chase  price,  which,  in  any  event,  must  not  exceed 
the  sum  of  ten  dollars  per  acre.  Until  the  deeds  are 
made  to  the  co-operators,  these  lands  are  to  be  in 
your  custody  as  sole  agent  and  director. 

"In  these  matters  my  daughter,  Fern,  will  aid 
you  in  every  possible  way.  Many  times  you  will 
find  her  advice  valuable,  therefore  when  needed, 
command  it  without  hesitation.  I  have  an  abiding 
faith  that  her  inspiration  will  benefit  you  in  many 


86  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ways  in  achieving  success  for  the  model  farm; 
a  matter  in  which  I  am  greatly  interested  and  to 
which,  as  both  mortal  and  spirit,  I  have  for  a  num 
ber  of  years  given  close  attention  and  much  earnest 
thought.  I  now  leave  the  matter  to  you  and  to  Fern 
for  such  thought  and  discussion  as  the  occasion  may 
demand.  I  shall  be  glad  at  any  time  to  answer  ques 
tions  concerning  any  particular  point.  •  Good  night, 
Mr.  Flagg;  Good  night  my  daughter." 

As  Fennimore  Fenwick  bade  them  good  night, 
both  Fillmore  and  Fern  returned  the  salutation,  and 
Fern  rose  from  her  chair,  saying : 

"I  think,  Mr.  Flagg,  that  until  now  I  have  never 
quite  understood  the  broad  principles  of  real  unself 
ishness.  In  the  light  of  my  father's  comprehensive 
statement  of  the  true  purpose  of  human  life,  they 
stand  forth  in  bold  relief,  clear  and  strong.  What  a 
grand  incentive  they  offer,  to  stir  the  zeal  and  en 
thusiasm  of  our  co-operative  workers  !  All  life  is 
affected  by  them  and  discloses  new  meanings.  All 
life  seems  more  precious,  more  sacred.  Yet  the  task 
assigned  to  you,  Mr.  Flagg,  is  not  an  easy  one:  I 
foresee  many  difficulties,  but  you  will  overcome  all 
of  them.  The  plan  is  so  thoroughly  in  harmony 
with  right  and  justice,  so  fraught  with  happiness 
for  the  masses,  that  it  must  succeed !  I  trust  that 
you  feel  encouraged  to  go  forward  hopefully  with 
the  work  ?  " 

"Thanks  to  Fennimore  Fenwick,"  replied  Fill- 
more  Flagg,  ' '  I  am  armed  against  all  obstacles  by  a 
new  philosophy  of  life.  Its  possibilities,  as  applied 
to  practical  work,  are  beyond  computation !  His 
masterly  statement  of  the  true  theory  and  purpose 
of  human  life,  embodies  the  crystallized  wisdom  of 
centuries.  I  am  profound]y  impressed  with  it.  Ap- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  87 

plied  to  my  chosen  life  work,  it  demands  my  best 
thought,  my  entire  devotion :  to  co-operative  work 
as  exemplified  by  our  proposed  model  farm,  it  means 
unqualified  success ! 

"Pardon  me,  Miss  Fenwick,  you  have  been  hard 
at  work,  writing  rapidly  for  a  long  time.  You  need 
rest.  Let  us  then  postpone  further  discussion  until 
tomorrow." 

"Yes,  I  think  that  will  be  best,"  replied  Fern,  "so 
good  night,  Mr.  Flagg." 

"Good  night,  Miss  Fenwick." 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

FILLMORE    AND    FERN. 

FOR  Fillmore  Flagg,  a  never-to-be-forgotten  week 
has  passed  since  the  interview  with  Fennimore  Fen 
wick,  noted  in  our  previous  chapter.  He  is  still  at 
Fairy  Fern  Cottage,  busy  with  preparatory  work  for 
his  coming  tour.  Momentous  events,  which  have 
radically  changed  his  life,  have  followed  each  other 
in  quick  succession.  Hours  have  passed  as  moments 
fly,  in  absorbing  interviews  with  his  spirit  father 
and  mother.  His  store  of  questions  in  relation  to 
their  experiences  in  spirit  life,  have  all  been  an 
swered  :  these  answers  have  in  turn  suggested  many 
more,  until  now  he  is  satisfied.  For  him,  the  two 
worlds  have  been  united — the  continuity  of  life  be 
yond  the  grave  has  been  established  as  a  verity  past 
contradiction.  As  conscious  individuals  and  loving 
parents  in  the  realms  of  spirit  life,  his  father  and 
mother  are  as  real  to  him  as  mortals.  With  each 


88  SOLARIS  FARM. 

succeeding  interview  this  conviction  has  grown,  un 
til,  fully  conscious  of  their  loving  sympathy  and 
support,  he  begins  to  comprehend  the  connection 
between  life  and  immortality  ;  the  stupendous  mean 
ing  of  immortal  life — of  never-ending  progression — 
overshadows  and  dominates  all  other  thoughts.  In 
profound  reverence  he  repeats  to  himself : 

' '  How  noble,  how  sacred,  how  wonderful  is  life ! 
A  few  years,  comparably  brief  as  moments,  on  the 
mortal  plane  of  existence,  to  be  followed  by  an  end 
less  Eternity,  spent  in  gleaning  wisdom  and  happi 
ness  from  the  rich  fields  of  infinite  progression.  By 
the  measure  of  immortality,  who  shall  attempt  to 
describe  or  limit  the  destiny  of  a  human  soul  ?  As 
the  epitome  of  the  planet,  the  universe,  and  the  uni 
versal  cosmos,  it  must  follow  that  the  human  soul  is 
the  repository  of  infinite  possibilities.  This,  then, 
is  the  spiritual  heritage  of  all.  Sin  and  suffering, 
selfishness  and  greed,  crime  and  vice  in  the  transi 
tory  stage  of  the  mortal,  might  stain  and  retard  his 
spiritual  growth,  but  they  could  never  destroy  the 
glorious  possibilities  of  the  final  unfoldment." 

This  broad  conception  of  the  possibilities  of  hu 
man  life,  here  and  hereafter,  came  to  Pillmore  Flagg 
as  a  revelation  of  the  most  sacred  and  marvelous 
character  :  in  the  light  of  such  a  revelation,  the  hid- 
eousness  of  selfishness  stood  revealed  like  a  grim 
and  warning  monster.  Now  he  saw  the  path  of  duty 
plain  before  him.  On  the  higher,  broader  plane  of 
unselfishness,  he  must  strive  to  develop  new  powers 
and  new  aspirations  to  aid  him  in  making  better  con 
ditions  for  a  more  perfect  protection  and  unfoldment 
of  human  life.  To  satisfy  his  highest  ideal,  he  must 
devote  himself  to  this  work.  The  inspiration  of  the 
two  worlds  was  upon  him  !  His  love  for  Fern  Fen- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  89 

•wick,  the  personification  of  all  that  was  noble  and 
beautiful,  urged  him  forward ;  intensified  and  de 
veloped  his  highest  aspirations  for  good  ;  permeated, 
glorified  and  dominated  his  entire  being.  Love  and 
life ! — the  former,  the  mystery  and  the  crowning 
glory  of  the  latter. 

Hours  of  self  communion,  alone  in  his  room,  had 
for  Fillmore  Flagg  a  hitherto  unknown  charm.  The 
crowding  memories  of  the  happiest  and  by  far  the 
the  most  important  week  of  his  life,  with  a  tenacity 
like  fever-born  visions,  passed  through  and  occupied 
his  mind  again  and  yet  again.  The  bright  image  of 
Fern  Fenwick  was  the  central  figure  of  each  event, 
her  grace  and  beauty  was  its  chief  point  of  interest. 

At  her  unrivaled  cottage  home  he  had  been  the 
honored  guest  to  whom  she  had  paid  her  undivided 
attention.  Thanks  to  her  wonderful  mediumship,  he 
no  longer  felt  himself  an  orphan — the  gateway  of 
death  was  also  the  gateway  of  life.  His  father  and 
mother  had  been  restored  to  him,  joined  again  to  his 
life — Ms  heritage  of  immortality  assured  !  The  truth 
had  been  made  plain  to  him  that  the  people  of  the 
two  worlds  were  joined  by  everlasting  ties  of  love 
and  sympathy  into  the  one  great  flood  of  humanity, 
all  human  beings,  all  immortal  spirits,  incarnate, 
excarnate. 

Again,  to  Fern's  mediumship  he  owed  his  acquain 
tance  with  Fennimore  Fenwick,  whom  he  had  learned 
to  know,  to  admire,  to  love  and  respect  as  the  high 
est  type  of  a  wise,  great  and  noble  man.  How  for 
tunate  he  was  in  having  so  many  opportunities  for 
learning  from  such  a  great  master  !  He  prophesied 
then  and  there,  that  the  gratitude  of  coming  gener 
ations  was  to  bear  witness  to  the  power,  wisdom  and 
eloquence  of  Fennimore  Fenwick's  teachings. 


00  SOLARIS  FARM. 

How  the  memory  of  all  these  things  swelled  the 
tide  of  love  for  Fern  Fenwiok,  in  the  heart  of  Fill- 
more  Flagg.     How  bright  and  amiable,  how  glori 
ously   beautiful   she  was.     How  kind  and  gracious 
she  was  to  him,  and  what  a  delightful  deference  sh( 
paid  to  his  opinions  !     Would  he  ever  again  experi 
ence  another  week  so  full  of  unalloyed  happiness  ?| 
He   had  but  to  close   his  eyes — a  radiant  vision 
Fern  Fenwick  was  before  him,  thrilling  his  heart 
with  hope,  urging  him  forward  to  the  goal  of  duty.] 
With  a  sigh  he  thought  of  the  coming  journey.     Foi 
one  blissful  week,  in  the  light  of  her  angelic  eyes,] 
in  the  radiance  of  her  loveliness,  in  the  subtle  char 
of  her  magnetic  presence,  he  had  basked  as  in  th< 
sunshine  of  paradise :  now  the  hour  of  parting 
approaching,  he  must  not  allow  himself  to  be  des 
pondent,    that  would  be   unmanly  ;   he  must  hope,] 
wait,  and  work.     Surely  his  star  of  destiny  augurec 
well  for  his  future.     Doubt  he  could  not ;  doubt  IK 
would   not  !     Yes,  he  would  banish   all   thought  oJ 
parting.     He   would   think  of   the  work,  of   its  de 
mands,  of  how  Fern  had  helped  him  to  prepare  foi 
it.     Oh  how  proud  he  was  of  the  peerless  girl  thai 
had  grown  so  dear  to  him  !    As  he  recalled  the 
hours   they   had   spent   together   in   discussing  th< 
plans  of  Fennimore  Fenwick,-  as  applied  to  the  sev 
eral  stages  of  development  of  the  model  farm, 
he  had  admired  and  appreciated  Fern's  brilliant  idej 
her  pertinent  suggestions,  her  wonderful  power  t( 
foresee  administrative  difficulties  and  to  provide  mosl 
efficiently   against   them.      How   well   these   accom 
plishments   attested  the   high   order   of    her    intel 
lectual   training ;   how  perfectly  they  demonstrat( 
the  astuteness  of  her  power  of  thought,  when  a] 
plied  to  practical  subjects.     With  such  mental  an< 


SOLARIS  FARM.  91 

spiritual  attributes,  supplemented  and  intensified  by 
the  deep  inspiration  and  the  awe  inspiring  majesty 
of  her  mediumship,  how  immeasurably  superior  she 
appeared  when  compared  with  other  women.  What 
problem  in  life  so  knotty  that  she  could  not  solve  ? 
With  the  aid  of  such  a  matchless  woman,  how  could 
he  fail  in  the  work  before  him  ? 

Together  Fern  and  Fill  more  had  examined  many 
maps  for  the  purpose  of  deciding  on  the  particular 
states  to  be  inspected  during  the  coming  tour.  The 
great  south-west  seemed  to  offer  the  best  field  for 
choosing.  The  Indian  lands,  just  coming  into  mar 
ket,  were  not  to  be  ignored.  They  were  located  in  a 
climate  that  would  promote  the  growth  of  a  large 
variety  of  crops,  therefore  were  especially  desirable. 
Much  time  was  spent  by  them  in  going  over  these 
important  questions  very  carefully.  Fennimore 
Fenwick,  from  time  to  time,  had  given  his  opinion 
on  many  doubtful  points.  Now  everything  was  set 
tled.  Tomorrow  Fillmore  Flagg  was  to  start  for 
the  rich  lands  of  the  great  west  and  south-west, 
with  careful  instructions  to  keep  Fern  Fenwick  in 
formed,  by  frequent  letters,  of  his  progress  and 
whereabouts.  Whenever  a  particular  plot  of  ground 
was  selected,  Fern  was  to  send  him  a  certified  check 
for  its  purchase.  This  plan  was  to  be  followed  until 
all  of  the  desired  plots  had  been  secured.  The  pre 
paratory  work  on  the  model  farm  was  then  to  be 
commenced. 

On  the  eve  of  his  departure,  Fillmore  Flagg  in  re 
viewing  these  arrangements,  began  to  percieve  that 
many  days  must  pass  before  he  could  hope  to  see 
Fern  Fenwick  again.  The  intensity  of  his  love  for 
her  urged  an  immediate  declaration,  that  he  might 
know  his  fate  before  commencing  his  long  journey ; 


92  SOLARIS  FARM. 

on  the  other  hand,  prudence  counselled  a  more  pa 
tient  waiting  and  wooing  as  the  only  safe  and  honor 
able  course  for  him  to  pursue,  as  to  declare  his  love 
at  this  time  would  be,  under  all  the  circumstances 
which  had  made  him  a  guest  at  the  cottage,  taking 
an  unfair  advantage  of  the  confidence  and  hospitality 
of  his  charming  hostess,  who  had  become  so  inex 
pressibly  dear  to  him.  Yes,  he  would  take  up  the 
burden  of  his  work,  full  of  confidence  in  the  wisdom 
and  watchfulness  of  his  guiding  star.  Hope  whis 
pered  in  his  heart :  "Pern's  destiny  is  so  closely  in 
terwoven  with  thine  own,  that  no  fear  of  the  future 
need  disturb  thee;  in  peace  and  contentment  await 
thou  the  fulfillment  of  thy  brightest  hopes. " 

Meanwhile,  in  the  heart  of  Fern  Fenwick,  the  im 
pression  left  by  the  events  of  the  week,  were  marked 
and  apparent  even  to  herself.  A  change  in  her  re 
gard  for  Fillmore  Flagg  was  manifest.  He  was  so 
capable,  so  loyal  to  her,  and  to  her  interests ;  and 
withal  so  intensely  in  love  with  her,  that  in  turn  her 
admiration  for  him  grew  apace — in  fact  she  did  not 
attempt  to  hold  it  in  check.  She  adored  an  honest 
frankness  as  much  as  she  despised  smooth  deceit. 
She  knew  that  Fillmore  Flagg  was  the  soul  of  honor 
and  that  she  could  trust  him  under  all  circumstances, 
else  her  father  would  not  have  chosen  him  to  be  her 
worthy  and  trusted  assistant  in  the  work.  In  manly 
beauty  he  was  very  near  to  her  ideal ;  in  nobleness 
of  heart,  intellectual  development  and  training,  he 
was  her  equal :  therefore  it  was  but  natural  for  her 
to  bestow  glances  of  encouragement  on  a  lover  so  at 
tractive,  so  cultured,  so  unselfish  and  so  ardent. 
Perhaps  she  had  met  her  fate  !  However,  before 
dismissing  the  subject,  she  decided  at  the  first  op 
portunity  to  call  the  attention  of  her  father  and 


SOLARIS  FARM.  93 

mother  to  the  matter  and  ask  their  advice,  which 
would  govern  her  course  in  the  future.  She  felt 
that  whatever  the  advice  might  be,  in  any  event,  it 
would  not  mar  or  blight  her  true  happiness. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

SOLARIS    FARM. 

ONE  year  from  the  time  Fillmore  Flagg  left  Fairy 
Pern  Cottage  on  his  trip  to  the  west,  we  find  him  at 
"Solaris  Farm,"  the  title  chosen  for  the  model  or 
experimental  co-operative  farm.  The  location  was 
Dearly  midway,  on  one  of  the  through  lines  of  rail 
way  which  connect  St.  Louis,  the  great  central  city 
of  the  Mississippi  valley,  with  the  gulf  and  inland 
cities  of  the  mammoth  state  of  Texas. 

The  land  was  beautifully  located,  the  soil  was  rich 
and  easy  to  cultivate.  The  entire  tract  was  well 
watered  by  a  fine,  clear,  swift  flowing  stream.  In 
extent,  the  farm  comprised  ten  sections,  laying  com 
pactly  together,  and  making  in  all,  6,400  acres  of 
Choice  land.  Nine  of  the  sections  formed  a  perfect 
square,  each  of  the  four  sides  being  three  miles  in 
length.  The  tenth  section  joined  the  west  line  of 
the  south-west  section  in  the  square,  which  made 
the  south  line  of  the  farm  four  miles  in  length  The 
railroad  passed  through  the  farm  near  the  north  line 
of  the  southern  tier  of  sections,  touching  on  the  way 
an  ideal  site  for  the  farm  village.  About  four  thous 
and  acres  of  the  land  was  broad,  rolling  prairie,  com 
bined  with  a  large  proportion  of  unusually  rich  river 


94  SOLARIS  FARM. 

bottom,  both  well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  a  great 
variety  of  crops.  The  remainder  of  the  farm  pre 
sented  a  rough,  broken  surface,  with  a  soil  not  so 
rich,  sometimes  quite  poor  and  gravelly,  but  being 
protected  by  a  great  bend  in  the  river,  was  well  cov 
ered  by  a  valuable  growth  of  timber.  The  surface 
of  the  roughest  ground  covered  large  deposits  of 
lead,  zinc,  mica  and  several  varieties  of  choice  clay. 
Numerous  bold  bluffs  contained  fine  quarries  of  ex 
cellent  stone  for  building  purposes,  also  for  an  abun 
dant  supply  of  lime  and  cement.  A  number  of  the 
ridges  offered  unlimited  quantities  of  gravel  and 
sand.  Here  and  there  several  rich  veins  of  a  very 
good  quality  of  bituminous  coal  cropped  out. 

In  making  his  preliminary  examination,  the  quick 
eye  of  Pillmore  Flagg  soon  discovered  that  this 
eighteen-hundred-acre  tract,  of  what  the  owners 
considered  their  poorest  lands,  marred  and  disfig 
ured  by  a  tangle  of  undergrowth,  a  confusion  of 
unsightly  rocks,  gullies  and  bluffs ;  was  in  reality  a 
treasure,  a  vast  store  of  choice  material  for  coming 
needs.  When  the  ten  sections,  including  this  bro 
ken  tract,  were  offered  for  the  lump  sum  of  thirty 
two  thousand  dollars,  Fillmore  Flagg  quickly  closed 
the  bargain.  He  was  confident  that  at  last,  after 
many  weeks  of  patient  searching,  a  most  desirable 
site  for  the  initial  farm  had  been  secured,  at  the  low 
average  price  of  five  dollars  per  acre.  No  wonder 
he  was  elated  and  proud  of  his  achievement !  The 
remaining  lands  of  the  township  were  sparsely  set 
tled  by  about  fifty  families,  generally  occupying 
large  ranches. 

Acting  on  Fern  Fenwick's  advice,  as  soon  as  the 
site  of  the  model  farm  was  chosen,  Fillmore  Flagg 
prepared  an  advertisement  for  publication  in  three 


SOLARIS  FARM.  95 

;  of  the  leading  spiritual  papers,  setting  forth  the 
I  purposes  of  the  organization,  together  with  the  re- 
j  quirements  necessary  for  membership.  The  appli 
cations  which  soon  followed  were  so  numerous  that 
at  the  end  of  the  first  three  months  he  had  been  able 
to  complete  a  very  choice  selection  for  the  colony. 
Before  the  end  of  the  next  three  months,  he  had 
.placed  them  on  the  farm,  prepared  for  active  work. 
In  the  accomplishment  of  this  remarkable  feat  in 
so  short  a  time,  he  had  the  able  assistance  of  his 
trusted  friends,  George  and  Gertrude  Gerrish,  who 
were,  from  the  beginning,  most  thoroughly  in  sym 
pathy  with  him  and  eager  to  join  him  in  the  work. 
Fillmore  Flagg  had  known  them  from  childhood  and 
had  learned  to  appreciate  them  as  progressive  peo 
ple  of  the  most  pronounced  type,  who  were  honest, 
courageous,  and  gifted  to  a  high  degree  with  the 
power  to  win  the  love  and  confidence  of  all  who 
knew  them. 

George  and  Gertrude  Gerrish  were  born  and  reared 
on  Nebraska  farms,  near  the  home  of  Fillmore  Flagg. 
George  was  thirty-five ;  Gertrude,  younger  by  three 
years.  They  had  been  married  fifteen  years  and 
were  noted  as  a  handsome  couple,  being  large,  tall, 
straight  and  finely  formed,  with  strong,  even  tem 
peraments.  Their  only  son,  Gilbert,  was  a  delicate 
lad,  in  his  fourteenth  year,  handsome,  spirituelle  and 
intellectual  to  a  remarkable  degree.  He  was  a  real 
genius,  passionately  fond  of  books,  art  and  music; 
already  an  accomplished  player  on  both  the  piano 
and  violin.  Yet  withal,  he  was  very  reticent,  sensi 
tive  and  shy,  on  account  of  his  small  size  and  de 
formed  body,  the  result  of  spinal  trouble  cav.eed  by  a 
fall  while  an  infant. 
The  Gerrish  family,  for  the  eight  years  previous, 


96    •  SOLARIS  FARM. 

had  resided  in  St.  Louis,  where  George  and  Gertrude 
were  employed  as  teachers.  When  Fillmore  Flagg 
made  them  a  visit  while  on  his  way  west  from  New- 
burgh,  he  was  both  surprised  and  delighted  tD  find 
them  spiritualists. 

They  at  once  became  interested  in  his  mission,  and 
his  plans  for  the  establishment  of  a  model  co-opera 
tive  farm.  At  his  urgent  request,  they  promised  to 
move  at  once  to  the  farm,  whenever  located,  in  order 
to  be  prepared  to  receive  the  colonists  property  as 
soon  as  they  should  commence  to  assemble.  This 
promise  Fillmore  Flagg  considered  a  most  extraordi 
nary  piece  of  good  fortune,  and  so  it  proved. 

As  a  result  of  this  wisely  planned  co-operative 
work,  at  the  end  of  the  first  six  months,  a  carefully 
selected,  most  effic;ent  colony,  of  five  hundred  adults 
and  one  hundred  and  fifty  children,  had  been  assem 
bled  and  organized ;  the  business  of  the  incorpora 
tion  completed ;  the  stock  all  taken ;  the  officers  cho 
sen  and  a  general  plan  of  the  work  prepared. 

George  Gerrish  was  chosen  as  President  of  the 
Solaris  Farm  Company,  Fillmore  Flagg  was  made 
trustee  and  general  manager.  The  members  of  the 
company  were  young  and  strong,  accustomed  to  farm 
labor,  full  of  enthusiasm  for  pushing  forward  the 
work.  They  were  all  wide  awake  and  progressive, 
quick  to  perceive  and  appreciate  the  importance  and 
advantage  of  applying  co-operative  thought  and  co 
operative  work  to  systematic  farming  on  a  large 
soale.  They  were  thoroughly  in  earnest  and  equally 
determined  to  make  tho  model  farm  a  complete  suc 
cess.  With  such  an  army  of  vigorous,  intelligent 
workL.  o,  it  was  easy  to  accomplish  before  the  close 
of  the  first  year,  the  magical  changes  which  had 
been  --ffectocl  at  Jl  ^  farm. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  97 

The  land  had  all  been  surveyed,  examined  and  tes 
ted  ;  the  farm  carefully  subdivided  and  platted,  with 
a  view  to  keeping  a  complete  record,  which  should 
include  a  debit  and  credit  account  with  each  subdi 
vision.  The  size  and  boundaries  of  these  tracts 
were  determined  with  reference  to  the  capacity  of 
the  soil  to  best  produce  certain  kinds  or  crops  of 
grains,  grasses,  vegetables,  vines,  berries,  fruits  or 
trees.  The  crests  of  ridges,  and  all  rough,  gravelly 
lands,  were  set  apart  for  timber,  fruit  and  vineyard 
culture ;  the  separate  areas  to  be  devoted  to  these 
three  classes  were  carefully  calculated,  described 
and  marked  on  the  plat.  The  number  of  roads  re 
quired  to  connect  the  various  fields  and  subdivisions 
with  the  village,  were  laid  out  and  made  passable  by 
building  the  necessary  bridges. 

The  site  selected  for  the  village  was  quite  near  to 
the  railroad,  and  large  enough  to  give  abundant 
space  for  future  factories,  shops,  lawns  and  orna 
mental  pleasure  grounds.  The  whole  was  graded, 
well  drained  and  artistically  laid  out  around  the  four 
sides  of  a  spacious  central  square.  A  large,  well 
constructed  freight  and  passenger  station,  of  Solaris 
brick,  was  built  and  established  at  the  most  conven 
ient  point  on  the  railroad.  In  this  building  were  the 
post  office,  express  office  and  telegraph  office,  all  in 
excellent  business  form  and  perfect  working  order. 

The  manufacture  of  brick  had  been  one  of  the  first 
industries  developed  at  the  farm.  An  inexhau stable 
supply  of  most  excellent  clay  had  been  discovered 
just  at  the  edge  of  the  village  site,  and  speedily  con 
nected  with  it  by  a  short  tramway.  From  this  clay 
the  product  of  Solaris  brick  proved  in  every  way 
desirable.  In  form,  color,  size  and  design,  they 
were  much  superior  to  ordinary  brick.  With  them, 


98  SOLARIS   FARM. 

the  builder  could,  in  one  half  the  time,  with  less  ce 
ment,  construct  walls  that  were  thick,  solid  and  dur 
able,  yet  presenting  beautiful  surfaces  both  inside 
and  outside.  These  walls  would  remain  for  many 
years  in  perfect  sanitary  condition,  kept  free  from 
dampness  by  the  dry  air  circulation,  due  to  the  con 
structive  design  of  the  brick.  The  very  fine  appear 
ance  of  the  new  railroad  station,  so  advertised  the 
beauty  and  excellence  of  Solaris  brick,  that  orders 
from  abroad  soon  came  pouring  in.  To  fill  these  or 
ders  without  delaying  the  work  on  the  village  build 
ings,  it  became  necessary  to  double  the  size  of  the 
brick-making  plant ;  also  to  increase  the  number  of 
workers.  The  unexpected  development  of  such  a 
large  and  profitable  allied  industry,  at  almost  the 
first  stage  of  the  preparatory  work  at  the  farm,  so 
encouraged  Fillmore  Flagg  and  his  co-workers,  so 
stimulated  and  quickened  the  spirit  of  inventive 
genius,  that  thereafter  the  efficiency  and  capacity  of 
the  machinery  kept  pace  with  the  steadily  increas 
ing  demand  for  brick,  that  too  without  further  add 
ing  to  the  working  force  or  to  the  size  of  the  plant. 
A  deeper  excavation  of  the  clay  beds  brought  to 
light  a  much  finer  class  of  clays,  which  proved  so 
excellent  for  the  purposes  of  manufacturing  general 
pottery,  terra  cotta  ware,  drain  tiles  and  sewer  pipe, 
that  in  connection  with  the  brick  works,  a  factory 
for  making  that  kind  of  material  was  at  once  put  in 
operation.  The  tramway  was  extended  a  half  mile 
further  from  the  village  to  reach  the  newly-opened 
stone  quarries  and  coal  mines,  passing  on  the  way 
large  deposits  of  sand  and  gravel.  By  means  of  the 
tramway,  an  abundant  supply  of  all  kinds  of  the  nec 
essary  materials  could  be  placed  on  the  building  site 
very  quickly.  The  best  of  stone  for  the  foundations, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  99 

quantities  of  brick,  lime,  sand  and  cement  were  at 
hand,  waiting  for  the  builder.  All  this  made  pos 
sible  the  swift  construction  of  superior  buildings, 
equipped  with  all  of  the  modern  improvements,  in 
cluding  artistic  ornamentation. 

As  a  result,  before  the  expiration  of  the  first  six 
months  after  the  arrival  of  the  co-operators,  the  fol 
lowing  buildings  had  been  completed  and  were  ready 
for  use :  On  the  south  side  of  the  public  square, 
fronting  north ;  one  large  mill  for  grinding  flour  and 
feed ;  one  extensive  building,  large  enough  to  be  oc 
cupied  as  a  saw  mill  and  planing  mill,  machine,  car 
penter,  repair  and  blacksmith  shop  all  combined. 
On  the  north  side  of  the  square,  fronting  south ;  one 
large  three  story  and  basement  block  of  apartment 
houses,  sufficiently  capacious  to  accommodate  eight 
hundred  people.  The  three  upper  stories  were  high 
enough  to  afford  twelve-foot  ceilings  between  the 
floors.  The  rooms  were  large,  well  lighted,  well 
ventilated,  and  so  arranged  on  each  floor  as  to  offer 
to  every  family  a  parlor,  sitting  room,  dining  room, 
two  bed  rooms,  one  bath  room,  and  a  kitchen.  The 
basement  of  the  entire  block  was  furnished  and  fit 
ted  to  be  used  as  a  restaurant,  with  the  necessary 
dining  rooms,  kitchens,  furnace  rooms,  store  rooms 
and  cellars.  The  light  frame  dwellings,  located  on 
one  of  the  rear  streets,  which  had  given  a  temporary 
shelter  to  the  people  until  the  completion  of  the 
apartment  house,  were  now  utilized  as  work  rooms, 
seed  rooms,  assorting  rooms,  store  rooms,  and  for 
dairy  and  apiary  purposes.  On  the  west  side  of  the 
square,  fronting  east, just  across  the  corner  from  the 
apartment  house,  the  well-appointed  hall  of  Educa 
tion  and  Amusement  was  erected.  It  was  three  sto 
ries  high,  seventy  five  feet  wide,  and  one  hundred 


100  SOLARIS   FARM. 

and  fifty  feet  long.  The  upper  story  was  entirely 
devoted  to  the  library,  assembly  and  amusement 
hall,  with  its  large  stage,  numerous  offices  and  ante 
rooms.  The  lower  rooms  were  arranged  to  be  used 
for  the  business  offices  of  the  farm,  the  spacious 
school  rooms  for  its  one  hundred  and  fiity  children, 
the  printing  office  and  editorial  rooms  of  the  press 
club,  and  the  eleven  additional  club  rooms  reserved 
for.  the  use  of  the  adults.  On  the  same  side  of  the 
square,  fronting  eastward  and  separated  from  the 
hall  of  amusement  and  education  by  one  hundred 
feet  of  space,  was  the  Solaris  company  store ;  four 
stories  high,  two  hundred  feet  wide,  two  hundred 
feet  long,  built  around  three  sides  of  a  beautifully 
arranged  rose  and  flower  garden.  The  two  lower 
stories  were  used  to  display  a  large  stock  of  general 
merchandise,  while  the  upper  stories  were  occu 
pied  by  the  force  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  gen 
eral  clothing,  underwear,  and  in  tailoring  and  dress 
making.  All  of  these  fine  structures  were  built  of 
Solaris  brick,  with  cut  stone  foundations ;  the  orna 
mental  brick  used  in  the  fronts  were  especially  de 
signed  for  the  purpose  and  proved  wonderfully  effec 
tive.  In  every  particular  the  buildings  were  a  credit 
to  the  company,  being  beautifully  planned,  skillfully 
constructed,  and  located  with  due  regard  for  archi 
tectural  effect.  Prom  the  preparation  of  the  stone, 
the  making  of  the  brick,  lime  and  mortar,  to  the  final 
completion  of  the  buildings,  including  the  making 
and  laying  of  the  sewer  pipes,  nineteen-twentieths 
of  the  total  cost  was  represented  by  the  labor  of  the 
co-operators.  Of  course  they  were  led  and  taught 
by  a  few  skilled  workmen,  directed  by  Fillmore 
Flagg,  who  had  prepared  the  plans.  The  remark 
able  success  achieved,  proved  a  good  lesson  in  the 


SOLARIS  FARM.  101 

economics  of  co-operation,  of  the  utmost  significance 
and  value;  a  lesson  which  filled  the  hearts  of  the 
members  of  the  company  with  pride  and  joy,  rivited 
and  clinched  their  devotion  to  the  model  farm  and 
opened  their  eyes  to  the  possibilities  of  the  future. 

Having  finished  this  first  series  of  buildings  for 
immediate  use,  attention  was  given  to  the  matter  of 
improving  the  appearance  of  the  public  square.  In 
the  center  of  the  broad,  smooth  green,  stood  the  tall, 
straight  flag-pole ;  from  its  top  floated  the  stars  and 
stripes.  Eastward  from  the  foot  of  the  flag-staff, 
and  slightly  raised  above  the  grassy  surface  of  the 
smoothly  shaven  lawn,  was  spread  a  living  flag  in 
true  colors,  red,  white  and  blue.  This  flag  was  of 
magnificent  proportions,  twenty-five  feet  in  width  by 
fifty  feet  in  length,  and  presented  such  an  effective 
appearance  that  it  soon  became  the  pride  and  delight 
of  the  farm  children,  an  object  of  never  failing  in 
terest,  a  beautiful  living  motto  which  expressed 
their  appreciation  of  patriotism. 

While  the  building  operations  were  being  pushed 
forward,  a  carefully  selected  force  of  workers  had 
been  equally  busy  in  making  numerous  agricultural 
improvements.  Two  thousand  acres  of  virgin  soil 
had  been  broken  up  and  prepared  for  planting.  One 
hundred  acres  of  the  best  of  this  newly  upturned 
soil,  so  clean  and  free  from  weeds,  had  been  planted 
with  a  well  selected  series  of  vegetables,  capable  of 
producing  a  remunerative  crop  of  assorted  garden 
seeds.  The  series  included  all  of  the  best  known  va 
rieties  with  the  addition  of  several  new  ones.  As  a 
result  of  skillful  culture  and  favorable  conditions,  a 
great  many  tons  of  choice  seeds  had  been  grown, 
gathered  and  prepared  for  market.  Large  propaga 
ting  gardens  had  been  fitted  and  seeded  with  refer- 


102  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ence  to  the  future  demands  of  fruit  and  forestry  cul 
ture.  An  abundant  supply  of  all  kinds  of  vegetables 
for  farm  use  had  been  grown  and  stored.  Goodly 
crops  of  corn,  oats  and  potatoes,  grown  and  har 
vested.  Plenty  of  hay  cut,  cured  and  housed.  Pas 
tures,  roomy  enough  to  accommodate  large  herds  of 
horses  and  cattle,  securely  enclosed,  supplied  with 
water  and  the  proper  shelter.  Small  herds  of  fine 
cattle  and  horses  secured  and  well  provided  for. 
These  herds  were  selected  chiefly  for  breeding  pur 
poses,  while  a  sufficient  number  of  mules  were  pur 
chased  for  the  needs  of  the  farm  work.  The  bees  in 
the  well  stocked  apiary  had  already  gathered  a  fine 
supply  of  honey  from  the  wild  flowers  of  the  sur 
rounding  prairies.  The  extensive  yards  and  build 
ings  prepared  for  poultry  farming  on  an  unusually 
large  scale,  were  so  well  stocked  and  in  such  fine 
condition  as  to  promise  large  profits  at  an  early  day. 

In  reviewing  the  work  at  the  close  of  the  first 
year,  which  included  many  important  items  not  yet 
enumerated,  the  general  results  were  so  satisfactory 
that  the  officers  and  members  of  the  Solaris  Farm 
Company  were  very  much  encouraged.  Owing  to 
sales  of  seeds  and  brick  in  such  considerable  quanti 
ties,  together  with  the  manufacture  at  the  farm  of 
almost  every  kind  of  building  material,  the  sum  ad 
vanced  by  Fern  Fenwick,  the  patroness,  for  farm 
buildings  and  equipment  was  less  than  one-half  the 
amount  named  in  Fillmore  Flagg's  estimate.  The 
amount  required  for  the  coming  year  would  be  very 
much  less. 

The  general  plan  provided  for  and  embraced  the 
supplementing  of  agricultural  work  by  a  series  of 
allied  manufactures,  such  as  naturally  grew  out  of 
the  needs  of  the  farm  :  carpentering,  blacksmithing, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  103 

machine  work  and  repairing,  furniture  making,  turn 
ing,  polishing,  painting,  staining  and  general  wood 
working  and  finishing,  pattern  making,  broom  and 
brush  making,  a  factory  for  spinning  rope  and  cor 
dage,  basket  and  all  kinds  of  osier  weaving,  brick 
making,  pottery  and  all  kinds  of  clay  or  porcelain 
work ;  together  with  many  other  things  that  would 
suggest  themselves  as  time  passed  and  the  capacity 
of  the  farm  was  increased  by  the  invention  of  better 
machinery  and  superior  methods. 

The  application  of  inventive  genius  on  the  part  of 
the  co-operators  to  operations  at  the  brick  works 
and  pottery,  had  already  proved  equal  to  the  de 
mands  of  any  emergency  which  might  arise.  The 
great  variety  of  these  added  employments  would  af 
ford  a  pleasant  change  from  the  monotony  and  rou 
tine  of  ordinary  farm  work.  They  could  be  pursued 
sometimes  for  weeks  together,  when  legitimate  farm 
work  would  be  out  of  season,  in  this  way  so  greatly 
increasing  the  products  and  profits  of  the  farm,  that 
the  bonanza  farm  of  the  capitalist,  which  depended 
on  wheat  growing  alone  for  profits,  could  no  longer 
successfully  compete. 

After  much  discussion  by  the  board  of  manage 
ment  and  the  officers  of  the  company,  it  was  decided 
with  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  membership,  that 
eight  hours  should  be  considered  a  days  work — six 
hours  for  the  farm  work,  with  two  hours  additional 
to  be  devoted  to  such  of  the  manufacturing  works  as 
the  member  might  choose.  This  course  proved  en 
tirely  satisfactory ;  it  soon  gave  to  the  farm  an  able 
corps  of  skilled  workmen,  at  the  same  time  augment 
ing  the  collective  power  of  the  membership  to  do 
more  effective  co-operative  thinking  for  the  advance 
ment  of  the  best  interests  and  general  welfare  of  all. 


104  SOLARIS  FARM. 

In  the  matter  of  wages,  a  uniform  price  of  three 
dollars  per  day  was  fixed  for  each  member  of  the 
company ;  this  amount  was  diminished  by  deducting 
ten  per  cent  for  the  sinking  fund,  five  per  cent  for 
the  general  service  fund,  and  five  cents  daily  from 
each  member  for  the  special  fund.  The  special  fund 
was  for  the  purposes  of  education  and  amusement. 
After  subtracting  these  deductions,  two  dollars  and 
fifty  cents  were  left  as  the  net  per  diem  pay  of  each 
one.  The  assessments  provided  the  goodly  sum  of 
$54,000  00  annually  for  the  sinking  fund,  $27,000  00 
for  the  general  service  fund,  and  $9,000  00  for  the 
special  fund. 

The  Solaris  Farm  company  was  incorporated  for 
ninety-nine  years,  with  a  provision  for  re-incorpora 
tion  at  the  expiration  of  that  period.  This  provision 
practically  made  the  company  a  perpetual  institu 
tion.  The  stock  of  the  company  was  capitalized  at 
$250,000  00,  and  divided  into  one  thousand  shares, 
with  a  par  value  of  $250  00  each.  The  number  of 
share  holders  or  subscribers  was  limited  to  five  hun 
dred  adults,  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  couples  or 
families;  at  the  end  of  five  years,  two  shares  of  stock 
were  issued  to  each  subscriber,  male  or  female,  mar 
ried  or  single.  This  stock,  however,  could  not  be 
issued  until  $45,000  00  had  been  paid  into  the  sink 
ing  fund.  With  the  issue  of  the  stock,  the  purchase 
price  of  the  farm  should  be  paid  from  the  sinking 
fund  to  Fillmore  Flagg,  the  trustee,  who  would  then 
deed  the  farm  to  the  corporation.  Thereafter  the 
company  was  to  maintain  a  sinking  fund  amply  suf 
ficient  to  provide  such  additional  farms  as  the  chil 
dren  of  its  members  might  need. 

In  accordance  with  his  instructions  from  Fenni- 
more  Penwick,  the  money  received  in  this  way  by 


SOLARIS  FARM.  105 

Fillmore  Flagg,  was  to  be  held  by  him  as  a  trust 
for  the  purchase  of  other  farms.  It  was  further 
provided  that  the  Solaris  Farm  company  retained 
the  sole  right  to  purchase  all  stock  which  might  be 
offered  for  sale. 

The  general  service  fund  was  to  be  used  in  defray 
ing  the  expense  of  stocking,  equipping  and  improv 
ing  the  farm. 

It  was  also  determined  that  settlements  made  with 
members,  who  from  any  cause  might  wish  to  leave 
the  company,  should  be  made  on  a  basis  of  two  dol 
lars  and  fifty  cents  per  day  for  the  time  they  had 
been  co-operators,  with  the  return  of  whatever  capi 
tal  they  might  have  invested  plus  interest  at  three 
per  cent  per  annum;  all  stock  subscribed  for  to  re 
turn  to  the  company's  treasury. 

The  general  plan  further  provided  for  the  erec 
tion  of  separate  cottages,  with  small  gardens  adjoin 
ing,  for  the  use  and  occupancy  of  such  families  as 
might  desire  them.  The  apartment  house,  now  com 
pleted,  had  many  of  its  suites  of  rooms  arranged  for 
independent  housekeeping,  but  so  far,  the  members 
of  the  company  preferred  to  take  their  meals  at  the 
company  restaurant,  paying  for  them  the  ordinary 
prices.  They  also  preferred  to  patronize  the  laun 
dry,  general  clothing,  tailoring  and  dress-making  de 
partments  which  were  connected  with  the  company 
store.  To  prevent  any  conflict  with  the  commercial 
interests  of  the  outside  world,  the  restaurant  and 
the  company  store  sold  food  and  goods  at  the  ruling 
market  prices  for  first-class  articles,  realizing  that  it 
was  plainly  the  policy  of  the  company  to  keep  only 
the  best  of  everything  for  sale — the  generous  profits 
from  all  sales  to  go  as  a  general  contribution  from 
the  entire  membership  to  the  insurance  fund  for  the 


106  SOLARIS  FARM. 

helpless  and  the  aged.  As  liberal  wages  afforded 
ample  means,  large  purchases  were  encouraged,  and 
all  tendency  toward  a  miserly  hoarding  was  discour 
aged.  It  was  marked  that  all  the  members  were 
quick  to  appreciate  the  fact  that  the  more  liberal- 
their  purchases,  the  more  generously  they  swelled 
the  fund  that  was  set  apart  to  provide  for  the  needs 
and  happiness  of  declining  years.  With  each  pass 
ing  month  it  was  observed  that  this  particular  feat 
ure  of  insurance  continued  to  grow  in  popular  favor. 

To  enable  the  company  to  dispense  with  a  great 
deal  of  expensive  bookkeeping,  to  do  business  with 
a  small  amount  of  actual  cash,  and  at  the  same  time 
add  another  check  against  the  disposition  to  hoard 
money ;  the  payment  of  wages  to  the  members  of  the 
company  was  made  in  Solaris  scrip,  good  at  its  face 
value  for  all  purchases  made  from  the  company. 
Whenever  cash  was  needed  by  any  of  the  members, 
an  order  on  the  treasurer  drawn  by  the  president 
and  approved  by  the  general  manager,  could  easily 
be  obtained  for  reasonable  amounts.  On  presenta 
tion  of  the  order,  U.  S.  legal  tenders  to  the  amount 
specified,  would  be  exchanged  for  the  scrip,  dollar 
for  dollar ;  the  treasurer  cancelling  this  scrip  by 
stamping  across  its  face  the  date  of  the  exchange 
and  the  name  of  the  member,  retaining  the  cancelled 
scrip  as  his  voucher  for  the  disbursement  of  the 
money.  When  scrip  was  exchanged  at  the  store  for 
goods,  it  was  cancelled  in  the  same  way  by  the  man 
ager  of  the  store.  The  plan  seemed  to  work  with 
out  friction  and  gave  general  satisfaction. 

At  the  beginning  of  each  month  an  executive  com 
mittee,  composed  of  three  men  and  three  women, 
was  chosen  by  the  members  of  the  company.  This 
committee,  with  the  general  manager  as  chairman, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  107 

made  an  order  of  work  for  each  day  and  assigned 
the  members  to  the  different  kinds  of  work  named 
in  the  order.  These  assignments  were  always  ac 
cepted  cheerfully.  The  co-operators  without  excep 
tion  and  without  murmur  worked  steadily  and  with 
zeal  for  one  common  result.  They  were  keenly  alive 
to  both  the  importance  and  the  advantages  of  this 
new  kind  of  co-operative  work,  which  gave  them  so 
many  hours  of  leisure  for  rest  and  recreation.  With 
the  experience  of  each  passing  month,  they  realized 
more  than  ever  before  that  sixteen  hours  out  of  the 
twenty-four  so  devoted,  soon  stimulated  and  rein 
forced  the  vital  energies  to  such  an  extent  that  ac 
tive  labor  seemed  really  desirable,  As  a  matter  of 
fact,  each  day  they  began  to  look  forward  eagerly  to 
the  six  hours  of  farm  work  and  the  two  hours  addi 
tional  of  skilled  labor,  as  opportunities  which  gave 
them  refreshing  and  delightful  exercise.  Exercise 
that  was  necessary  to  promote  health  and  happiness 
— exercise  which  left  them  with  an  added  relish  and 
brighter  mental  conditions  for  the  enjoyment  of  the 
hours  of  study  and  amusement  that  were  to  follow. 
Here  again,  the  wisdom  of  nature's  law  of  compen 
sation  was  demonstrated.  A  grave  question  of  the 
utmost  importance  to  the  progress  of  mankind  was 
for  them  forever  settled.  The  discovery  had  dawned 
on  the  minds  of  these  people  that  labor,  no  longer  a 
curse,  was  in  reality  nature's  richest  blessing ! 

Among  the  more  important  improvements  on  the 
farm  which  Fiilmore  Flagg  had  carefully  planned, 
was  the  necessary  preparatory  work  on  the  large 
propagating  gardens,  located  near  the  river,  not  far 
from  the  village.  In  connection  with  the  construc 
tion  of  the  village  water  works,  at  the  time  of  the 
grading  and  sewering  of  the  village  grounds,  these 


108  SOLARIS  FARM. 

gardens  were  furnished  with  a  complete  system  of 
irrigating  pipes.  These,  together  with  the  thous 
ands  of  pots  required  at  a  later  period,  were  made  in 
the  pottery  at  the  brick  works — another  product  of 
farm  labor.  With  such  a  complete  control  of  the 
necessary  moisture,  the  sprouting  process  in  the 
long  seed  beds  proved  unusually  succssful.  These 
beds,  which  covered  several  acres  of  very  rich  soil, 
were  thickly  planted  with  all  kinds  of  fruit  and  tree- 
bearing  seeds ;  together  with  grape  cuttings,  mul 
berries  for  the  silkworm  culture,  quinces,  currants, 
tea  plants,  a  great  variety  of  berries,  a  fine  selec 
tion  of  ornamental  shrubbery,  dwarf  fruit  trees, 
roses,  and  many  other  plants  besides.  The  young 
plants  soon  reached  a  stage  of  growth  where  pot 
ting  became  necessary  in  order  to  make  them  strong, 
well  grown,  independent  young  shoots,  ready  at  any 
time  to  be  transplanted  without  injury  into  nursery 
rows,  the  vineyard  or  the  berry  plots. 

To  pot  the  contents  of  these  beds  required  the  la 
bor  of  many  hands,  consequently  the  task  furnished 
a  pleasant,  congenial  employment  for  a  major  part 
of  the  female  co-operaters.  A  large,  well  floored, 
wide  roofed  shed  was  constructed  just  at  the  edge  of 
the  gardens  nearest  the  village.  It  was  wide  enough 
to  accommodate  two  rows  of  roomy  tables,  and  of  a 
length  sufficient  for  fifty  tables  in  each  row.  Ad 
joining  the  end  of  the  potting  shed  towards  the  vil 
lage,  was  the  storehouse,  containing  quantities  of 
prepared  soil  and  a  large  supply  of  assorted  pots. 
A  double  track  system  of  narrow  tramways  passed 
between  the  rows  of  tables,  on  its  way  from  the 
storehouse  to  the  different  seed  beds  in  all  parts 
of  the  garden.  On  this  tramway  the  little  cars 
came  from  the  storehouse  to  the  tables,  laden  with 


SOLARIS  FARM.  109 

supplies  of  pots  and  prepared  soil ;  these  they  ex 
changed  for  trays  of  potted  plants  to  be  returned  to 
the  seed  beds.  In  returning  from  the  gardens  on 
the  other  track,  they  brought  cargoes  of  shallow 
trays  filled  with  little  plantlets  just  lifted  from  the 
seed  beds.  This  cargo-bearing  process,  on  the  part 
of  the  tram  cars,  continued  throughout  the  day  as 
often  as  required,  mak-ng  light  'work  for  all  con 
cerned.  To  witness  the  work  under  the  shed  as  it 
goes  bravely  on  is  a  pleasing  sight.  Let  us  pause 
a  moment  to  enjoy  it. 

At  each  table  are  two  operators,  who  may  sit  or 
stand  while  they  work.  Protected  by  strong  gloves, 
the  deft  fingers  swiftly  fly — the  long,  double  lines  of 
maidens  and  matrons  are  as  merry  as  crickets  !  The 
buzz  of  musical  chatter,  song  and  story,  inspires  the 
work,  fitting  time  with  swift  pinions  and  transform 
ing  such  toil  into  six  hours  of  fun  and  frolic  ! 

This  class  of  work  proved  so  charming  that  a  ma 
jority  of  the  women  preferred  it  to  employment  in 
the  apiary,  dairy,  nursery,  school,  office,  restaurant, 
or  any  department  of  the  company  store. 

With  this  glimpse  of  the  general  development  of 
Solaris  Farm,  its  improvements  and  its  people,  dur 
ing  the  first  year,  we  discover  that  Fillmore  Flagg 
has  been  a  very  busy  man ;  that  his  skill,  inventive 
genius,  and  executive  ability  have  been  tried  se 
verely  ;  that  he  has  been  able  to  respond  to  the  de 
mands  of  every  occasion.  However,  such  was  his 
confidence  in  the  wisdom  of  Fern  Fenwick,  that 
when  he  found  himself  puzzled  or  in  doubt,  he  relied 
largely  on  her  advice  to  suggest  some  proper  solu 
tion  for  each  vexing  question.  He  had,  from  the  be 
ginning,  furnished  her  with  a  complete  history  of 
every  stage  of  the  development  of  the  farm,  along 


110  SOLARIS  FARM. 

with  his  weekly  reports.  At  the  close  of  each  one 
he  gave  a  list  of  topics  on  which  her  opinions  were 
solicited ;  the  suggestions  in  her  replies  led  to  such 
a  speedy  unraveling  of  the  tangled  situations  and 
troublesome  questions,  that  Fillmore  Flagg  was  im 
pressed  more  than  ever,  with  her  excellent  judgment 
and  the  brilliancy  of  her  genius.  His  admiration 
grew ;  his  love  grew  faster  !  In  his  personal  letters, 
transmitting  the  weekly  reports,  the  expression  of 
these  sentiments  of  admiration  and  adoration  con 
tinued  to  grow  in  force  and  fervor  until  he  finally 
gained  courage  to  request  permission  to  address  her 
as  a  lover:  a  lover  whose  happiness  would  be  largely 
increased  by  every  effort  he  might  make  to  put  in 
words  the  thoughts  born  of  his  devotion  to  her — the 
one  adorable  woman  in  the  world,  for  him. 

In  her  reply,  Fern  Fenwick  frankly  stated  that 
she  was  inclined  to  consider  his  request  with  some 
degree  of  favor.  That  she  had  sought  advice  from 
her  parents.  That  in  response  her  father,  Fenni- 
more  Fenwick,  had  expressed  himself  as  convinced 
of  the  integrity,  honesty,  and  purity  of  Fillmore's 
love  for  her ;  but  he  could  not  consent  to  an  engage 
ment  binding  his  daughter  to  marriage,  until  the  un 
qualified  success  of  the  model  farm,  at  the  end  of 
the  first  five  years,  had  demonstrated  the  worthiness 
of  Fillmore  Flagg.  After  that  event,  if  both  con 
tinued  to  desire  a  marriage  engagement,  his  consent 
might  be  considered  as  assured.  Her  mother,  she 
said,  had  repeated  and  emphasized  her  father's  ad 
vice  :  this  advice  she  felt  in  duty  bound  to  heed  and 
respect.  Therefore,  on  the  conditions  named,  she 
was  willing  to  accept  him  as  a  lover,  with  the  dis 
tinct  understanding  however,  that  he  must  not  claim 
her  hand  in  marriage  until  after  the  achievement  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  Ill 

the  complete  success  of  Solaris  Farm. 

In  the  postscript  at  the  close  of  her  letter,  Fern 
adroitly,  though  perhaps  innocently,  lighted  the 
torch  of  hope  in  the  heart  of  Fillmore  Flagg  by 
archly  expressing  herself  as  follows:  "Henceforth 
my  personal  interest  in  the  progress  and  final  suc 
cess  of  the  model  farm  will,  no  doubt,  fully  equal 
your  own." 

This  little  postscript  was  a  never  failing  source  of 
comfort  and  encouragement  to  Fillmore  Flagg.  He 
read  it  and  re-read  it  again  and  again :  in  his  ecstacy 
he  caught  himself  kissing  it  a  dozen  times  the  first 
week  after  it  reached  him.  With  each  reading  his 
hitherto  dormant  love  nature  gathered  force  and  in 
tensity.  In  the  throbbing  tide  of  joyful  emotions, 
he  was  suffused  with  a  strange  new  happiness.  He 
blushed  like  a  girl  as  the  certainty  came  home  to  his 
heart  that  at  last  his  love  for  this  beautiful  woman 
was  returned.  It  may  be  marked  as  noteworthy  that 
this  important  letter  cam^  to  Fillmore  Flagg  just 
eight  months  after  his  parting  with  Fern  Fenwick 
at  her  cottage  home  on  the  Hudson.  While  medita 
ting  and  luxuriating  under  the  spell  of  the  happy 
significance  of  this  event,  as  affecting  his  future  life, 
he  thanked  his  angel  friends  for  so  successfully 
speeding  his  wooing.  With  this  assurance  he  was 
confident  that  at  last  his  star  of  destiny  was  domi 
nant  in  the  sky  of  love.  Calmly  serene,  he  could 
now  await  the  approach  of  whatever  trials  in  life 
the  future  might  have  in  store  for  him.  Nothing 
could  shake  him  from  this  fortress  of  love  !  Noth 
ing  could  intervene  to  separate  his  life  from  the  life 
of  his  beloved  Fern !  With  a  sigh  of  contentment, 
he  prepared  to  devote  himself  more  ambitiously  and 
more  industriously  than  ever  before,  to  the  develop- 


112  SOLARIS  FARM. 

merit  of  Solaris  Farm.  He  wooed  every  inventive 
thought ;  he  planned  night  and  day  to  overcome  all 
obstacles  that  presented  themselves.  In  his  letters 
to  Fern  Fenwick,  rejoicing  in  a  freedom  to  express 
himself  without  restraint  on  the  limitless  theme  of 
his  great  love  for  her,  he  filled  page  after  page  with 
eloquent  adoration  of  his  heart's  chosen  one — his 
highest  ideal  of  the  glorious  perfection  of  woman 
hood.  The  effect  on  Fillmore  Flagg  of  this  fervent, 
all-absorbing  love,  was  most  excellent ;  it  broadened 
and  purified  his  life,  eliminating  from  it  all  the  dross 
of  selfishness.  He  took  a  new  interest  in  the  lives 
of  every  married  couple  and  every  pair  of  lovers  on 
the  farm.  By  persevering  effort,  tact  and  skill,  he 
completely  won  their  confidence.  He  shared  their 
hopes,  plans,  joys,  sorrows,  loves  and  crosses.  In 
all  this  he  never  once  failed  to  increase  their  love 
for  him  and  their  devotion  to  the  farm. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

CLUB   LIFE   AT    SOLARIS. 

IN  THE  work  of  building  up  in  the  minds  of  the 
co-operators,  an  abiding  faith  in  Solaris  Farm  and 
its  future  success,  Fillmore  Flagg  had  the  able  sup 
port  of  George  and  Gertrude  Gerrish.  They  had 
proved  themselves  the  right  people  in  the  right 
place !  In  the  schools  and  nursery  Gertrude  had 
become  invaluable.  Her  genial  temperament,  her 
fondness  for  children,  the  kindly  influence  of  her 
great  mother-heart,  with  its  never  failing  store  of 
sympathy,  patience,  tact  and  skill,  all  attested  that 


SOLARIS  FARM.  113 

she  was  a  natural  teacher  whose  presence  among  the 
children  was  a  perpetual  benefaction,  while  the  won- 
'derful  store  of  her  personal  magnetism  brought  her 
the  love,  respect  and  obedience  of  both  the  old  and 
the  young.  They  instinctively  felt  her  power  to 
make  them  wiser,  better  and  happier.  This  was  a 
well  merited  tribute  of  praise,  worth  a  king's  ran 
som  in  gold ! 

George  Gerr-sh  soon  became  very  popular  on  ac 
count  of  the  extraordinary  ability  he  displayed  in 
organizing  the  members  of  the  farm  company  into 
the  numerous  clubs  devised  to  promote  the  interests 
of  education,  science  and  amusement.  The  descrip 
tion  which  follows  will  serve  to  illustrate  his  skill  as 
an  organizer  in  carrying  out  the  general  plan  pre 
pared  by  Fillmore  Flagg.  In  addition  they  will  give 
a  clear  idea  of  the  scope  and  variety  of  the  talent 
developed,  together  with  a  proper  conception  of  the 
splendid  equipment  of  the  farm  for  the  social,  edu 
cational,  ethical  and  scientific  development  of  its 
people. 

First  in  order- came  the  Press  Club.  To  it  was  as 
signed  the  duty  of  editing  and  publishing  the  "  SO 
LARIS  SENTINEL,"  a  weekly  paper  devoted  to  the 
interests  of  the  farm.  It  was  filled  with  topics  of 
general  interest  to  the  community ;  themes,  essays, 
poems,  personals  and  social  notices  contributed  by 
the  club  members,  suggestions  and  ideas  leading  to 
better  methods  for  the  care  and  culture  of  the  farm 
stock  and  crops,  also  as  to  preparing,  the  same  for 
market.  The  range  of  topics  included  hints  regard 
ing  any  of  the  allied  manufacturing  industries  which 
were  carried  forward  by  the  farm  company.  In  ad 
dition  the  paper  gave  full  weekly  reports  from  the 
officers  of  the  different  clubs.  The  literary  budget 


114  SOLARIS  FARM. 

for  each  week  was  completed  by  selections  from  the 
general  contribution  box,  a  very  large  one,  which 
was  fastened  to  the  outer  door  of  the  rooms  of  the 
club.  Into  this  box  every  man,  woman  and  child 
was  invited  to  drop  such  written  scraps,  signed  or 
unsigned,  brief  or  lengthy,  as  they  might  be  moved 
to  offer  for  publication.  The  selections  from  this 
box  were  eagerly  read.  They  often  proved  surpris 
ingly  brilliant,  novel  or  suggestive,  frequently  dis 
closing  rare  literary  merit, — altogether  constituting 
the  most  popular  department  of  the  paper.  The  ed 
itorials  were  carefully  prepared  and  well  written. 
They  were  usually  along  lines  of  co-operative  work ; 
its  desirability  as  an  encouragement  to  unselfishness, 
and  also  to  show  how  the  work  might  best  improve 
social,  industrial  and  political  conditions.  The  vol 
ume  and  excellence  of  the  reading  matter  thus  pro 
duced,  was  marked  by  general  comment  as  a  matter 
of  astonishment.  The  unstinted  praise  which  it 
elicited  reflected  much  credit  on  the  club  :  therefore 
to  be  chosen  a  member  was  a  coveted  honor  which 
was  reserved  for  the  meritorious  faw. 

The  Dancing  Club,  in  point  of  popularity,  was  the 
most  successful  of  all,  and  deservedly  so.  Its  mem 
bership  embraced  the  entire  colony,  both  old  and 
young  who,  one  and  all,  seemed  to  enter  into  the 
spirit  of  the  movement  with  a  zealous  abandon,  a 
united  joyousness,  most  delightful  to  behold.  The 
social  ties  which  bound  them  together,  grew  and 
strengthened  with  the  recurrence  of  each  meeting. 
On  two  afternoons  of  each  week,  the  club  teachers 
gave  two-hour  lessons  or  drills  to  all  who  might  de 
sire  them.  On  three  evenings  of  each  week,  in  the 
large  hall  of  education  and  amusement,  two  and  one- 
half  hours  were  devoted  to  dancing,  in  which  all  the 


SOLARIS  FARM.  115 

members  took  part.  These  evening  dances  proved 
so  fascinating  that  as  a  rule  very  few  members  were 
ever  noted  as  being  absent.  An  attack  of  illness 
which  prevented  the  attendance  of  a  member,  must 
be  desperate  indeed.  In  the  matter  of  general  im 
provement  the  results  were  most  excellent.  To  be 
stow  perfect  deportment,  dignified  control  of  the 
body  and  limbs,  with  an  easy,  graceful  movement  on 
all  occasions,  there  is  nothing  like  dancing.  To 
eliminate  the  depressing  effects  of  grief,  mental  or 
business  cares,  harassing  trials  of  temper,  physical 
exhaustion,  or  disturbed  spiritual  equilibrium,  dan 
cing  is  a  remedy  of  marvelous  potency.  For  the  key 
to  the  reason  why  this  is  true,  we  are  indebted  to  the 
wonderful  discoveries  in  psychology  and  psychurgy 
made  by  that  able  scientist,  renowned  thinker  and 
brilliant  writer,  Professor  Elmer  Gates.  The  fol 
lowing  is  a  very  brief  statement  of  his  reasons  as  to 
how  and  why  the  emotions  of  the  individual  affect 
the  vital  forces  of  life : 

"The  human  body  is  a  collection  of  co-operative 
cells,  more  or  less  intelligent  and  responsive,  there 
fore  an  important  part  of  the  thinking  machine  which 
is  acted  upon  by  the  superior  mind  of  the  brain.  The 
superior  mind  is  in  turn  reacted  upon  by  the  auto 
matic  metabolism  set  up  in  the  cells.  Automatic 
metabolism  of  the  cell,  is  its  ability  to  carry  on 
within  itself  the  various  processes  of  life  that  may 
be  necessary  to  best  fit  it  for  the  performance  of 
special  functions,  as  a  particular  part  of  the  co-op 
erative  body.  Violent  emotions  of  anger,  hate,  de 
spair  and  grief,  are  katabolic,  poisonous  and  harm 
ful  ;  they  tear  down  and  destroy  life.  The  poisonous 
deposits  left  in  the  cells  by  these  emotions  are  called 
'katastates.'  Laughter  and  merriment,  with  all  the 
emotions  of  pleasure,  adoration,  worship,  love,  af 
fection,  hope,  beauty,  etc.,  are  'anabolic,'  or  life-pre 
serving.  The  vital,  health-giving  deposits  left  in 


116  SOLARIS  FARM. 

the  cells  by  these  emotions  are  called  'anastates.' 
Nature  accomplishes  her  perfect  work  by  beautiful 
methods.  The  cells  are  fed  and  sustained  by  the  cir 
culation  of  the  blood;  they  are  reached  from  the 
smaller  branching  arteries  by  a  network  of  minute, 
thread-like  channels,  sometimes  called  'arterioles.' 
These  arterioles  are  accompanied  by  the  equally  fine 
wires  of  the  nervous  system,  closely  connected  with 
the  brain  centers.  These  wires  are  electrified  by  the 
emotions ;  they  expand  the  arterioles,  and  the  cells 
are  flooded  with  an  unusual  supply  of  blood;  thus 
they  are  correspondingly  vitalized  or  poisoned,  ac 
cording  to  the  kind  of  the  dominant  emotion,  its  du 
ration  and  its  intensity." 

From  the  foregoing  we  readily  perceive  that  the 
joyful  emotions  stirred  by  that  poetical  trinity,  the 
melody,  the  rythm  and  motion  of  dancing,  arouses 
the  circulation  so  potently  that  every  cell  in  the  body 
tingles  with  its  superabundance  of  vitality  ;  both  the 
heart  and  the  brain  respond  to  the  invigorating  tide, 
while  its  precious  freight  of  anastates  is  vivifying 
and  thrilling  every  cell.  These  happifying  emotions 
soon  become  permanently  dominant,  the  depressing 
emotions  grow  weaker,  fade  away  and  disappear. 
The  individual  is  vitalized  and  rejuvenated  !  We  be 
gin  to  understand  that  when  properly  indulged  in, 
dancing  is  the  most  fascinating,  healthful  and  help 
ful  of  all  the  amusements.  The  Solaris  Farm  peo 
ple  were  both  fascinated  and  benefited  by  the  danc 
ing  exercises  so  generously  provided  by  the  club; 
the  growing  interest  and  enthusiasm  aroused  was  a 
matter  of  astonishment  even  to  themselves.  With 
the  continuation  of  the  club  dances,  the  intensity  of 
the  enjoyment  and  the  capacity  for  it,  seemed  to  in 
crease  ;  this,  together  with  the  pleasing  memories  of 
bygone  dances,  seemed  to  bind  them  yet  more  closely 
to  the  destinies  of  Solaris  Farm.  Strong,  straight, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  117 

lithe  figures,  happy  faces,  and  eyes  shining  with  the 
fires  of  perfect  health,  gave  testimony  to  the  efficacy 
of  music  and  motion  as  applied  to  physical  develop 
ment.  With  grateful  hearts,  these  happy  people  re 
alized  that  this  pure  font  of  happiness  came  to  them 
as  the  result  of  unselfish,  harmonious  co-operation. 
The  effect  on  Gilbert  Gerrish  of  this  universal 
spirit  of  gaiety,  was  as  marked  as  it  was  beneficial. 
On  the  raised  platform  at  the  head  of  the  dancing 
hall,  violin  in  hand,  and  surrounded  by  a  chosen  few 
of  his  friends  in  the  musical  club,  he  seemed  to  grow 
in  stature  as  he  breathed  in  the  pervading  merri 
ment;  living  a  new  life,  in  which  his  deformity  no 
longer  marred  his  pleasure.  Through  the  associa 
tion  of  many  months  he  had  grown  accustomed  to 
the  personal  magnetism  of  the  farm  people.  They 
were  very  proud  of  him  and  of  his  many  brilliant 
accomplishments.  This  all-pervading  sentiment  of 
loving  pride  came  to  him  as  a  benediction,  which  his 
refined,  sensitive  nature  graciously  absorbed.  His 
shyness  and  reticence  disappeared ;  his  face  glowed 
with  the  flush  of  happiness  ;  his  beautiful  eyes  shone 
with  the  fires  of  a  new  inspiration.  With  the  hand  of 
a  master  he  swept  the  strings  with  a  bow  of  magic ; 
new  strains  of  sweet,  thrilling  music  stirred  the 
dancers  and  moved  them  as  one  mass  to  the  throb 
bing  rythm  of  the  intoxicating  melody  :  a  melody  so 
charming  that  none  could  resist.  Filled  with  the 
power  of  a  new  grace  and  dignity  at  such  moments, 
Gilbert  Gerrish  felt  a  keen  triumph  in  his  ability  to 
stir  the  emotional  natures  of  these  people  whom  he 
loved  ;  to  inspire  them  to  better  deeds  and  to  nobler 
lives.  They,  in  turn,  recognized  and  paid  willing 
homage  to  a  noble  soul,  a  great  genius,  whose  power 
to  sway  and  control  them  was  not  in  the  least  de- 


118  SOLARIS  FARM. 

fleeted  or  dimmed  by  a  thought  of  his  deformed  body. 
Under  the  mystic  spell  of  divine  music,  which  ap 
peals  to  the  highest  aspirations  of  the  human  heart ; 
which  calls  forth  the  hidden  forces  of  the  soul :  they 
came  in  such  perfect  rapport,  with  him  in  his  inner 
life,  that  they  sensed  with  soulful  eyes  the  strong, 
radiant,  symmetrical  spirit  shining  through  the  de 
fects  and  barriers  of  a  fleshly  prison.  Thus  trans 
figured,  they  saw  him,  not  as  he  appeared  to  ordinary 
mortals,  but  as  he  really  was,  To  these  people  of 
Solaris,  this  transfiguration  was  lasting.  Very  soon 
they  came  to  regard  him  as  a  talisman  of  good  for 
tune — the  mascot  of  the  farm. 

The  Photographic  Club,  organized  by  George  Ger- 
rish  soon  after  the  press  club  with  the  intention  of 
making  it  the  nucleus  of  a  future  art  club,  proved  a 
surprising  success  at  an  early  stage  of  its  existence. 
Very  soon  after  active  work  began,  fifty  members 
had  been  enrolled,  In  discussing  with  the  execu 
tive  committee  a  general  plan  of  formation,  Fill- 
more  Flagg  remarked  that  he  felt  very  sure  the  club 
would  soon  prove  a  valuable  aid  to  the  farm  in  the 
direction  of  furnishing  attractive  illustrations  of  the 
farm  itself,  its  products,  stock,  fruits  and  flowers,  to 
be  used  as  advertisements.  With  this  in  view,  he 
made  arrangements  to  provide  suitable  rooms,  large, 
well  lighted  and  fitted  for  the  work,  in  connection 
with  the  construction  of  an  isolated  building,  made 
as  nearly  fire-proof  as  possible  which,  when  finished, 
was  to  be  devoted  mainly  to  the  needs  of  farm  ex 
periments  in  the  department  of  agricultural  chemis 
try.  The  completed  rooms,  with  a  large  lot  of  cam 
eras  of  various  sizes,  together  with  an  abundant 
supply  of  photographic  material,  were  placed  at  the 
disposal  of  the  working  members  of  the  club.  These 


SOLARIS  FARM.  119 

things  were  rightly  considered  a  necessary  part  of 
an  educational  outfit.  Fillmore  Flagg  and  George 
Gerrish  both  were  skillful  photographers  :  with  the 
wise  guidance  of  two  such  able  teachers,  the  class 
soon  began  to  produce  creditable  work.  After  the 
expiration  of  a  fixed  period,  in  compliance  with  an 
imperative  club  rule,  each  member  was  obliged  to 
complete  all  work  from  start  to  finish  without  assis 
tance.  This  would  give  scope  and  opportunity  for 
expressions  of  spontaniety  and  inventive  genius  in 
the  individual  treatment  of  the  work,  which  might 
tend  to  the  evolution  of  superior  methods.  It  was 
clearly  an  advantage  for  the  members  to  be  able  to 
say  truthfully  that  photographs  produced  under 
such  requirements  were  actually  the  results  of  their 
own  individual  handiwork  ;  from  focusing  the  object, 
timing  the  exposure  of  the  plate,  on  through  the 
various  stages  of  developing,  toning,  printing  and 
mounting,  up  to  the  final  process  of  polishing  the 
finished  picture.  At  the  end  of  each  month  the 
members  individually  were  required  to  submit  twelve 
finished  photographs  to  the  inspection  of  a  commit 
tee  of  five.  This  committee  was  composed  of  two 
ladies  and  two  gentlemen  in  addition  to  Fillmore 
Flagg,  who  was  the  chairman.  From  this  collection 
of  twelve  lot  pictures,  representing  the  finest  work 
of  the  club,  the  committee  selected  four  photographs 
from  each  lot,  which  were  chosen  to  become  a  part 
of  the  farm  exhibit  to  be  displayed  on  the  walls  of 
the  library,  hall  of  education  and  the  school-rooms. 
This  monthly  award  for  meritorious  work  acted  as  a 
wonderful  stimulus  to  all  the  club  members,  so  in 
creasing  their  ambition,  industry  and  artistic  inven 
tion,  that  an  ever  increasing  number  of  delightful 
surprises  followed  each  monthly  examination.  In 


120  SOLARIS  FARM. 

considering  the  selections  as  a  class,  the  extent  and 
variety  of  the  subjects  treated  covered  a  wide  range. 
Among  them  we  may  name  the  general  and  special 
views  of  the  farm,  its  buildings,  fields  of  grain,  corn, 
cotton  and  broom  corn;  bits  of  forest,  meadow  or 
brookside  landscapes ;  specimens  of  the  different 
vegetables  and  garden  products;  interior  views  of 
the  different  buildings ;  photographs  of  groups  and 
of  individual  members  of  the  company ;  pictures  of 
manufactured  articles,  tableware,  ornamental  brick 
and  tile  work,  and  general  pottery ;  a  great  variety 
of  cabinet  work,  furniture  and  willow  ware;  splen 
did  photographs  of  horses,  mules,  cattle,  sheep,  hogs 
and  poultry,  also  wild  animals  and  birds,  singly  and 
in  groups ;  views  of  trees,  streams,  roads,  bridges 
and  railroad  trains ;  enlarged  photographs  of  the 
insect  enemies  of  farm  products ;  others  of  the  birds 
which  prey  upon  such  insects ;  artistic  views  of  seed 
beds,  nursery  rows,  potting  sheds,  brick  and  pottery 
works — in  fact,  pictures  of  every  possible  aspect  of 
the  agricultural  and  manufacturing  industries  on  the 
farm.  Taken  together,  this  collection  presented  a 
most  interesting  series  for  the  school  rooms,  which 
proved  an  object  lesson  of  great  value  to  both  pupil 
and  teacher.  The  landscapes  were  especially  excel 
lent  in  giving  correct  ideas  of  distance  values  in  per 
spective  drawing. 

As  time  passed,  the  inventive  genius  of  the  club 
members  began  to  crop  out  in  the  repair  shop, 
where  they  not  infrequently,  and  sometimes  much  to 
their  surprise,  found  themselves  able  to  construct 
better  and  cheaper  instruments,  lenses  and  attach 
ments  than  they  were  able  to  buy.  With  these  im 
provements  they  soon  achieved  success  in  color  pho 
tography.  Later  this  led  to  making  magnificently 


SOLARIS  FARM.  121 

colored  slides  for  stereopticon,  kinetescope  and  bio- 
graph  exhibits,  which  soon  attracted  wide  attention 
and  were  in  such  demand  that  a  large  trade  resulted. 
In  this  way  another  exceedingly  profitable  allied  in 
dustry  was  added  to  the  now  famous  Solaris  Farm. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

FENWICK   HALL. 

IN  THE  infancy  of  this  Republic,  when  its  govern 
ment  was  looking  about  for  a  permanent  home,  Gen. 
Washington  was  moved  to  found  and  lay  out  the  City 
of  Washington  as  its  Capitol.  With  a  marvelous 
prescience  he  foresaw  the  coming  needs  and  future 
greatness  of  the  newly-united  states.  Impressed 
with  visions  of  the  glorious  destiny  awaiting  his  be 
loved  people,  his  cherished  republic,  he  wisely  con 
cluded  to  provide  generously  for  the  growth  of  a 
magnificent  city  which,  a  century  later,  should  re 
flect  credit  as  the  capital  of  a  mighty  nation.  Care 
less  of  the  gibes  and  sneers  of  many  of  his  most  in 
timate  friends,  Washington,  the  far-seeing  states 
man,  the  invincible  soldier,  deliberately  planned, 
platted  and  surveyed  through  the  wilderness  of  for 
est  at  that  time  covering  the  great  triangular  basin 
lying  between  the  Heights  of  Columbia  and  the 
waters  of  the  Potomac  and  Anacostia  rivers  ;  such  a 
bewildering  array  of  broad  streets,  wide  avenues, 
and  roomy  public  parks,  as  would  be  ample  and  suit 
able  for  a  brilliant  city  like  Paris,  (whose  system  of 
streets  he  had  taken  as  a  model,)  at  least  sufficient 
for  the  wants  of  a  population  of  a  half  million.  The 


122  SOLARIS  FARM. 

dawn  of  the  twentieth  century  saw  a  complete  reali 
zation  of  General  Washington's  brightest  hopes,  a 
verification  of  his  prophetic  visions.  The  wand  of 
progress  had  transformed  the  straggling  village  of 
''magnificent  distances,"  into  the  most  royally  beau 
tiful  city  on  the  continent.  A  city  which  had  become 
the  pride  and  delight  of  one  hundred  millions  of  free 
people,  who  individually  felt  a  personal  interest  in 
the  vastness,  the  beauty  and  the  imposing  grandeur 
of  its  magnificent  public  buildings,  which  repre 
sented  the  crowning  loveliness  of  architectural  de 
sign,  the  highest  artistic  expression  of  American 
genius  ;  altogether  most  perfectly  and  fittingly  adorn 
ing  the  unrivaled  capitol  city  of  the  most  progressive, 
powerful,  and  meritoriously  dominant  republic  on  the 
face  of  the  planet !  To  this  Mecca  of  republics,  as 
the  social  and  political  center  of  the  western  hemi 
sphere,  came  the  great  thinkers,  scientists,  artists, 
orators  and  statesmen  of  the  world. 

Commandingly  situated  on  Columbia  Heights,  over 
looking  this  surpassingly  beautiful  city,  was  Fenwick 
Hall,  the  home  of  Fern  Fenwick.  The  Hall  was  a 
large  quadrangular  structure  of  imposing  appear 
ance,  erected  in  the  center  of  spacious  grounds,  most 
charmingly  laid  out,  with  a  rare  combination  of  lawn, 
flowers  and  shrubbery.  The  material  used  in  its  con 
struction  was  Seneca  sandstone,  in  color  a  rich  dark 
red,  and  was  trimmed  with  a  pale  mottled  green 
stone,  quite  as  beautiful  as  serpentine.  The  effect 
of  the  combination  was  as  harmonious  as  it  was  or 
namental.  The  main  building  was  four  full  stories 
in  height  above  the  deep  basement.  It  was  made 
more  conspicuous  and  more  picturesque  by  the  four 
octagonal  towers,  one-half  of  which  projected  from 
each  corner  of  the  building.  These  beautiful  towers 


SOLARIS  FARM.  123 

of  a  uniform  size,  rose  thirty  feet  above  the  roof  of 
the  building  itself.  The  basement  and  towers  were 
of  rough  green  stone ;  the  caps  and  sills  of  the  long, 
deep  windows,  together  with  the  arcade,  were  of 
green  stone,  beautifully  carved  and  polished.  The 
arcade,  which  served  both  as  a  covered  way,  and  a 
portico  over  the  main  entrance,  was  at  once  artistic 
and  unique.  It  was  formed  by  a  picturesque  combi 
nation  of  four  Moorish  arches.  These  arches  were 
uniformly  twenty-five  feet  in  height  and  twenty-five 
feet  in  width  :  the  openings  of  the  double  arch  were 
placed  in  front  with  the  single  openings  at  either 
side.  By  this  arrangement  the  beauty  of  the  entire 
structure  was  greatly  enhanced,  while  a  very  appro 
priate  entrance  to  Fenwick  Hall  was  the  result. 

At  the  rear  of  the  grounds,  on  a  line  with  the  cen 
ter  of  the  mansion,  were  the  roomy  stables.  They 
were  built  of  rough  Seneca  sandstone.  Like  Swiss 
cottages,  they  were  made  more  beautiful  by  a  pro 
fusion  of  richly  colored  slates  which  covered  the 
broad,  steep  roof  and  the  wide  eaves.  Between  the 
mansion  and  the  stables,  on  the  same  line,  twenty- 
five  feet  distant  from  the  former,  was  the  pretty  two 
story  building,  of  the  same  material,  devoted  to  the 
kitchen,  the  heating  and  the  lighting  plants.  Both 
buildings  were  connected  with  each  other  and  with 
the  main  building  by  a  long  colonnade  of  harmonious 
proportions ;  its  heavy  cornice,  narrow,  steep  roof, 
and  long  double  line  of  slender  supporting  pillars, 
were  all  of  the  same  red  stone.  The  color  effects 
offered  by  the  lovely  contrast  between  the  velvety 
green  of  the  broad,  smoothly  shaven  lawns  and  the 
rich  reds  of  the  Seneca  stone,  were  simply  delight 
ful  !  Architecturally  considered,  the  combined  effect 
of  the  group  of  buildings,  arcade  and  colonnade,  was 


124  SOLARIS   FARM. 

as  artistic  as  it  was  excellent.  Under  the  arcade, 
just  inside  the  double  arch,  a  broad  flight  of  stone 
steps  led  up  to  the  heavy  oak  doors  opening  into  the 
wide  hall  on  the  main  floor.  This  hall  was  remark 
able  for  its  unusual  size ;  it  was  thirty  feet  wide  and 
of  a  proportionate  height,  fifteen  feet  from  floor  to 
ceiling.  In  connection  with  a  cross  hall  twenty  feet 
in  width,  it  served  to  divide  the  entire  space  on  this 
floor — one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  by  ninety — into 
four  very  large  rooms ;  the  two  parlors,  the  library, 
and  the  dining  room :  each  one  thirty  feet  in  width 
by  seventy  feet  in  length,  with  fifteen  foot  ceilings. 
The  grand  proportions  of  these  magnificent  rooms 
and  stately  halls,  excited  universal  admiration ;  they 
impressed  the  beholder  with  a  dominant  idea  of  the 
spacious  luxury  which  marked  the  interior  appoint 
ments  of  Fenwick  Hall.  In  the  center  of  the  main 
hall,  thirty  feet  from  the  front  entrance,  began  the 
flight  of  the  grand  stairway.  The  general  design  of 
this  stairway  was  boldly  unique.  It  was  in  harmony 
with  the  scale  of  magnificence  which  characterized 
the  halls  and  parlors.  In  three  long  flights  of  twen 
ty-five  steps  each,  it  rose  to  the  fourth  floor.  Count 
ing  the  fifteen-foot  landings  on  the  second  and  third 
floors,  it  was  practically  one  structure  with  a  gener 
ous  breadth  of  fifteen  feet.  It  was  built  of  the  same 
material — American  mahogany — with  casings,  corni 
ces,  banisters  and  newels  of  the  same  pattern  and 
finish,  all  highly  polished  and  rich  with  ornamental 
carving.  The  beautiful  color  effects  of  the  polished 
mahogany,  were  brought  out  more  vividly  by  the 
pale  neutral  tint  of  the  heavy  velvet  carpet,  which 
covered  the  stairs  and  landings.  As  an  illustration 
of  the  great  space  occupied  by  this  grand  stairway 
of  such  ideal  proportions,  each  one  of  its  seventy- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  125 

five  broad  steps  would  afford  a  comfortable  seat  for 
eight  persons — a  goodly  company  of  six  hundred,  all 
told.  This  royal  trinity  of  stairways  ranked  as  the 
distinguishing  feature  of  the  mansion.  They  gave 
it  an  air  of  stately  elegance,  tempered  with  the  glow 
and  warmth  of  a  generous  hospitality. 

The  halls  on  the  second  and  third  floors  were  coun 
terparts  of  the  main  hall  in  size  and  style.  The  hall 
on  the  fourth  floor  was  fifty  feet  wide  by  one  hun 
dred  and  sixty  feet  long.  It  was  arranged  to  be 
used  as  a  ball  room,  or  for  concerts,  lectures,  operas 
and  theatricals.  For  such  events,  it  would  comfor 
tably  seat  an  audience  of  one  thousand  people.  The 
roomy  stage  was  furnished  with  the  latest  and  most 
approved  appliances  ;  it  was  also  equipped  with  a 
remarkable  series  of  twelve  drop  curtains  for  the 
lectures.  Number  one  of  the  series,  was  a  twelve 
by  twenty-four  foot  map  of  the  United  States,  inclu 
ding  Alaska,  Hawaii,  Porto  Rico  and  other  territo 
rial  possessions.  This  map  was  accurately  drawn 
to  a  large  scale,  it  was  artistically  colored  and 
marked  in  such  a  way  as  to  show  at  a  glance  the 
boundaries  of  original  territory ;  the  ceded  territory, 
the  date  of  cession,  and  from  whom  acquired;  the 
dividing  lines  between  states  and  between  counties ; 
the  location  of  all  cities  and  towns  having  a  popula 
tion  of  one  thousand  or  over  ;  the  principal  state  and 
county  roads,  all  railroads,  lakes,  rivers,  mountains, 
public  parks,  valuable  forests,  arid  lands,  irrigable 
lands,  mineral  deposits  ;  all  noted  mines  of  coal,  iron, 
gold,  silver,  copper,  etc.,  together  with  a  great  va 
riety  of  important  items  :  all  of  which  proved  ex 
ceedingly  valuable  as  an  added  means  by  which  to 
illustrate  in  an  interesting  and  comprehensive  way, 
lectures  on  geographical,  geological  and  historical 


126  SOLARIS   FARM. 

subjects,  together  with  lectures  on  the  natural,  wealth 
and  resources  of  our  country ;  its  manufacturing, 
mining,  commercial  and  agricultural  interests,  with 
a  great  number  of  kindred  topics  as  well.  The  sec 
ond  curtain  was  uniform  in  size  with  the  first  and 
with  the  entire  series.  On  the  same  large  scale,  it 
gave  a  magnificent  illustration  of  the  solar  system. 
The  background  was  a  pale  bluish  gray.  The  sun 
appeared  as  the  central  figure,  surrounded  by  the 
planets  in  their  orbits,  carefully  drawn  as  to  com 
parative  size  and  position.  The  whole  map  was  col 
ored  with  exquisite  taste  in  perfect  harmony  with 
the  beautiful  sky  effects  of  the  background.  The 
skillful  work  of  the  map  maker  proved  especially 
strong  in  furnishing  a  lesson  of  wholesome  humility 
for  the  over-proud  denizens  of  the  little  planet  Earth 
who,  puffed  up  with  much  vanity,  have  for  ages  pro 
claimed  the  Earth  as  the  pivotal  center  of  all  crea 
tion.  The  third  curtain  was  simply  a  heavy,  plain 
white  one,  perfectly  fitted  for  the  display  of  stereop- 
ticon  views,  and  more  especially  for  the  moving  pan 
oramic  views  of  the  kinetescope,  the  vitascope  and 
the  biograph,  which  have  proved  such  attractive  and 
entertaining  aids  to  the  general  lecturer,  dealing  with 
any  special  subject  capable  of  such  profuse  illustra 
tion.  The  remaining  nine  curtains  were  devoted  to 
outline  maps  of  the  world,  and  to  illustrated  object- 
lessons  in  the  most  important  and  interesting  de 
partments  of  nature. 

The  side  walls  of  this  remarkable  hall  were  wain 
scoted  in  polished  hard  wood,  for  a  distance  of  five 
feet  above  the  floor :  the  remaining  wall  space  was 
divided  into  large  ornamental  panels,  with  beauti 
fully  scrolled  historical  borders.  In  these  panels 
were  painted,  one  in  each,  large  maps  of  the  States 


SOLARIS  FARM.  127 

and  Territories,  which  were  drawn  to  uniform  scale, 
minutely  accurate,  with  every  post  office,  post  road, 
wagon  road  or  cycle  path  plainly  marked.  In  addi 
tion,  at  least  twice  the  number  of  details  usual  to 
large  maps  showing  counties  and  townships,  were 
carefully  noted.  The  effect  of  this  unique  educa 
tional  system  of  ornamentation  was  as  interesting 
as  it  was  fascinating.  In  harmony  with  this  idea, 
the  entire  length  of  the  broad  ceiling  overhead  was 
painted  a  pale  blue;  it  was  divided  into  two  large 
panels  with  ornate  borders ;  each  panel  was  dotted 
with  stars  and  planets  in  such  a  methodical  way  as 
to  form  a  complete  astronomical  map  of  the  visible 
heavens,  both  northern  and  southern  hemispheres. 
This,  with  several  of  the  large  drop  curtains,  served 
as  adjuncts  to  the  well  equipped  observatory  which 
was  located  in  one  of  the  large  towers  at  the  rear  of 
the  mansion. 

On  the  main  floor,  on  each  side  of  the  front  hall, 
were  the  two  grand  parlors,  whose  exact  dimensions 
have  been  stated  heretofore.  They  were  carpeted 
and  furnished  with  all  the  art  and  luxury  that  skill 
could  devise,  or  wealth  could  procure.  Two  wide 
archways  of  Moorish  style  and  majestic  proportions, 
opened  from  each  parlor  into  the  main  hall.  The 
chief  adornments  which  marked  these  fine  parlors 
as  unapproachably  superb,  were  two  immense  mir 
rors,  alike  in  every  way,  mounted  in  heavy  frames, 
rich  with  leaf  gold.  They  occupied  the  entire  wall 
space  at  the  rear  end  of  these  enchanting  saloons  of 
artistic  luxury.  When  distinguished  groups  of 
brave  men  and  beautiful  women  were  assembled 
here,  the  magical  effect  of  these  mirrors  in  repro 
ducing  the  brilliant  company  as  one  magnificently 
framed  panoramic  picture,  was  ever  the  source  of 


128  SOLARIS   FARM. 

perpetual  admiration  and  delight.  On  such  occa 
sions  the  thirty  feet  of  the  main  hall  in  front  of  the 
stairway,  served  as  the  third  or  reception  parlor. 
The  grand  stairway  shone  resplendent  as  one  mag 
nificent  centerpiece  of  loveliness.  Up  the  long 
flight  on  either  side,  it  was  banked  by  a  wealth  of 
potted  flowers,  ferns  and  palms,  festooned  with 
wreaths  of  lovely  smilax.  Just  in  front  of  this  un 
rivaled  background  of  beauty,  standing  alone  upon 
the  movable  reception  platform,  which  was  merely 
a  small  circular  extension  of  the  first  step  of  the 
grand  stairway,  the  charming  young  hostess  of  Fen- 
wick  Hall,  with  the  grace  and  courtesy  of  a  born 
princess,  gave  a  greeting  of  welcome  to  her  delighted 
guests,  or  dismissed  them  with  a  gracious  smile  as 
they  entered  or  retired. 

The  library,  in  the  rear  of  the  parlor  at  the  left 
of  the  main  hall  and  separated  from  it  by  the  cross 
hall,  was  an  exceedingly  imposing  and  attractive 
room.  With  its  quiet  array  of  costly  appointments, 
it  seemed  to  possess  some  hidden  charm.  Its  ma 
hogany  shelves  were  laden  with  a  rare  collection  of 
choice  books,  elegantly  bound,  skillfully  arranged 
and  classified.  The  assortment  of  scientific  books 
was  a  remarkably  large  one.  Marble  statues,  and 
exquisitely  painted  portraits  of  a  host  of  famous  au 
thors  and  artists,  whose  works  had  enriched  the  lit 
erature  of  the  world,  fittingly  adorned  this  ideal 
realm  of  drowsy  quiet,  where  both  lore  and  luxury 
reigned  supreme. 

The  dining  room  was  uniform  in  size  with  the  par 
lors  Liid  the  library.  Its  walls  and  ceiling  were 
frescoed  with  groups  of  grceful  figures,  which  rep 
resented  the  merry  sprites  of  pleasure  in  carnivals 
of  feasting,  song  and  dancing.  Each  figure  was  a 


SOLARIS  FARM.  129 

carefully  studied  type  of  beauty ;  each  group  a  per 
fect  expression  of  grace  and  gaiety.  Studied  singly 
or  as  parts  of  the  entire  composition,  they  were  ex 
quisite  as  works  of  art,  charming  the  attention  of 
the  beholder  with  a  bewildering  fascination.  The 
floor  was  one  vast  mosiac  of  superbly  colored  tiles. 
The  heavy  mahogany  tables  and  sideboards  were 
glittering  with  their  costly  equipments  of  shining 
silver,  sparkling  cut  glass,  and  rare,  translucent 
china.  Large  oval  mirrors  in  heavy  carved  frames, 
duplicated  the  lovely  adornments  of  this  brilliant 
room  from  a  dozen  points  of  vantage.  The  dazzling 
effect  of  this  home  of  the  feast,  was  intensified  by 
cascades  of  light  from  the  two  unrivaled  chande 
liers.  They  supported  a  great  number  of  slender 
bulbs  containing  the  electric  lights,  which  were  ar- 
raged  in  the  form  of  a  mass  of  drooping  fern  leaves, 
rising  like  a  pyramid  of  soft  radiance,  into  the  per 
fect  shape  of  two  superb  fountains.  Tiny  streams 
of  short  prisms,  clear,  flashing,  crystal,  pendant  and 
vibrating,  formed  the  tip  of  each  fern  leaf.  This 
skillful  combination  seemed  to  complete  the  start 
ling  illusion  of  this  rare  vision  of  loveliness,  until 
one  could  almost  hear  the  musical  tinkle  of  falling 
water. 

The  three  halls  on  the  main,  second  and  third 
floors,  were  really  galleries  of  art  "par  excellence," 
they  were  so  profusely  adorned  with  choice  collec 
tions  of  photographs,  etchings,  water  colors,  paint 
ings  and  statuary.  On  entering  the  main  hall,  two 
very  large  paintings  of  extraordinary  significance 
and  rare  merit  claimed  instant  admiration.  Com 
panion  pictures,  each  with  a  canopy  and  background 
of  crossed  American  flags,  from  whose  voluminous 
folds  shone  the  blazing  glory  of  color  in  the  match- 


130  SOLARIS  FARM. 

less  beauty  of  the  stars  and  stripes.  In  each,  picture 
under  these  flags,  the  dominant  spirit  of  the  republic 
breathed  in  the  noble  figures  so  exquisitely  painted ; 
typifying  in  the  one  on  the  right,  the  Goddess  of 
Liberty  watching  over  the  destiny  of  the  republic. 
In  the  one  on  the  left,  Liberty  with  her  torch  light 
ing  the  world.  So  perfectly  did  the  painter's  art 
portray  the  "Spirit  of  76,"  that  a  new  tide  of  pa 
triotic  devotion  to  the  republic  and  its  glorious  flag, 
swelled  the  hearts  of  all  who  saw  these  justly  fa 
mous  pictures. 

The  well  lighted,  well  ventilated  rooms  in  the 
basement  were  used  as  store  rooms,  a  suitable  num 
ber  being  set  apart  for  the  servants,  as  dressing 
rooms,  dining  room  and  sitting  room.  In  a  large 
bay  window  extension  at  the  rear  of  the  main  hall, 
a  sumptously  furnished  elevator  connected  the  base 
ment  with  all  of  the  halls,  the  roof  and  the  towers. 
The  rooms  on  the  second  and  third  floors  were  ar 
ranged  in  suites  of  three,  reception,  sleeping  and 
bath.  In  size,  fittings  and  furnishings,  they  were 
models  of  comfort  and  luxury. 

The  four  octagonal  tower  rooms  were  uniformly 
twenty-five  feet  in  diameter,  with  lofty  dome  ceil 
ings.  The  right  front  tower  was  occupied  by  Fern 
Fenwick  as  her  private  study  and  work  room.  It 
was  fitted  and  furnished  much  the  same  as  the  li 
brary.  The  left  front  tower  was  arranged  as  a 
seance  room  for  spiritual  manifestations,  and  more 
especially  for  the  different  phases  of  mediumship 
possessed  by  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  including  materiali 
zation.  As  before  stated,  the  right  hand  tower  at 
the  rear  was  perfectly  equipped  as  an  observatory, 
while  the  rooms  under  it  were  devoted  to  the  demon 
stration  of  kindred  sciences.  The  left  tower  at  the 


SOLARIS  FARM.  131 

rear  was  furnished  and  arranged  as  a  laboratory. 
The  rooms  under  it  were  set  apart  for  experiment 
and  demonstrations  in  chemistry,  metallurgy,  pho 
tography  and  several  other  sciences  of  like  nature. 
An  able  corps  of  carefully  trained  servants,  under 
the  direction  of  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  the  housekeeper, 
made  it  easy  to  keep  this  remarkable  establishment 
in  perfect  order.  One  and  all,  these  model  servants 
were  devoted  to  their  lovely  young  mistress,  and 
this  devotion  was  based  on  their  keen  appreciation 
of  her  noble  ideas  in  regard  to  the  true  purpose  of 
human  life,  to  her  high  estimation  of  its  sacredness. 
They  were  eager  to  serve  her  faithfully  and  well  for 
less  than  ordinary  wages,  contented  and  confident  in 
tHe  knowledge  that,  in  accordance  with  her  clear 
sense  of  justice,  they  were  sure  of  being  retired  on 
half  pay  after  having  reached  the  age  of  fifty-five. 
This  brief  description  of  the  exterior  and  interior  of 
Fenwick  Hall,  its  equipment,  its  lovely  mistress  and 
its  people,  will  but  faintly  suggest  its  extraordinary 
possibilities  as  a  potent  factor  in  the  upper  circles 
of  Washington  life.  Almost  three  years  have  passed 
since  the  transition  of  Fennimore  Fenwick,  which 
left  his  only  daughter,  Fern  Fenwick,  as  the  sole 
heir  to  his  vast  wealth.  With  the  exception  of  three 
months  each  summer,  spent  at  Fairy  Fern  Cottage, 
or  some  mountain  resort  near  it,  she  had  remained 
quietly  at  Fenwick  Hall,  busily  engaged  in  rebuild 
ing  and  refitting  it.  Meanwhile  under  the  instruc 
tion  of  able  teachers,  she  had  been  hard  at  work  in 
efforts  to  supplement  her  excellent  collegiate  educa 
tion  with  a  better  knowledge  of  history  and  by  a 
more  complete  mastery  of  the  subtle  secrets  of  the 
higher  sciences,  as  exponents  of  the  powers,  proper 
ties  and  purposes  of  the  inherent  forces  belonging 


132  SOLARIS  FARM. 

to  the  various  departments  of  Nature's  vast  domain. 
After  much  deliberation  she  had  undertaken  this 
work  to  enable  her  to  wisely  prepare  and  plan  for  a 
life  work  in  harmony  with  her  lofty  ideas  on  the 
subject — ideas  which  had  been  slowly  ripening  in 
her  mind  for  many  months.  Having  passed  the  or 
deal  of  this  severe  post  graduate  course  of  general 
study,  she  felt  herself  prepared  to  commence  the 
work  contemplated  by  her  general  plan,  which  em 
braced  a  skillful  use  of  the  great  educational  and 
social  advantages  of  Fenwick  Hall,  in  her  endeavors 
to  bring  to  the  leading  minds  of  the  political  and 
social  circles  of  Washington  a  clear  conception  of 
the  importance  and  significance  of  the  real  purpose 
of  human  life ;  with  a  view  to  reforming  ethical,  so 
cial,  industrial  and  political  organizations  on  the 
true  basis  of  the  unselfishness  of  the  individual  for 
the  advancement  of  the  race;  thus  bringing  these 
organizations  into  exact  and  co-operative  harmony 
with  the  object  and  purpose  of  the  existence  of  the 
planet.  Systems  so  organized,  would  then  be  in  line 
with  a  true  conception  of  the  functions  of  an  ideal 
republic — a  government  for  the  people,  of  the  peo 
ple  and  by  the  people ;  conducted  for  the  benefit, 
protection  and  development  of  all  the  people.  With 
the  world  organized  into  families  of  such  republics, 
the  advent  of  the  millennium  could  be  predicted, 
and  the  advancement  of  the  race  to  the  point  of  per 
fection  would  be  insured. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  .      133 

CHAPTER  XX. 

THE    BEGINNING    OF   A   NEW   ERA. 

FROM  A  careful  review  of  her  historical  studies, 
Fern  Fenwick  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  com 
petitive  system  was  responsible  for  a  majority  of 
the  evils  which  had  so  retarded  the  world's  progress. 
She  discovered  that  this  same  system  was  the  father 
of  a  conscienceless  commercial  spirit  which  had  ex 
isted  for  many  centuries  as  the  basis  of  all  social  or 
ganization.  That  as  such,  it  was  a  constant  menace 
to  all  good  society ;  the  embodiment  of  a  cruel  self 
ishness  of  a  savage  type,  which  insisted  that  might 
makes  right — that  the  strong  should  thrive  by  prey 
ing  upon  the  weak.  In  this  position  it  boldly  denied 
the  immortality  of  the  soul,  so  far  as  the  weaker 
workers  were  concerned.  Therefore  the  cheap  lives 
of  these  poor  people  had  no  claim  to  be  considered 
as  sacred,  because  they  represented  so  many  human 
souls.  In  the  absence  of  any  practical  or  effective 
protest  from  the  religions  of  the  world,  this  mon 
strous  system  of  selfishness  had  in  all  these  years, 
grown  unchecked  and  unmolested  in  its  methods  of 
cruel  greed.  From  the  shadows  and  gloom  of  these 
threatening  conditions,  existing  so  manifestly  in  di 
rect  violation  of  all  progressive  law,  came  a  demand 
that  the  negative  belief  in  the  immortality  of  the 
soul,  be  speedily  replaced  by  a  positive  knowledge 
of  it.  A  knowledge  sustained  and  supported  by 
practical  demonstrations,  through  the  action  of  nat 
ural  law,  whose  manifestations  and  demonstrations 
should  be  so  direct  and  indisputable  as  to  appeal 
convincingly  to  the  hard  headed  thinkers,  who  as  a 


134      .  SOLARIS  FARM. 

class,  seemed  to  represent  a  materialistic  element 
that  threatened  to  overthrow  all  belief  in  immortality. 

In  answer  to  this  demand,  about  the  beginning  of 
the  last  half  of  the  nineteenth  century,  there  hap 
pened  an  event  of  the  utmost  importance,  potent 
with  promise  for  the  mighty  spiritual  unfoldment 
and  general  advancement  of  the  people  of  the  twen 
tieth  century. 

In  the  humble  home  of  the  Fox  family,  at  the  lit 
tle  village  of  Hydesville,  near  Rochester,  New  York, 
by  the  co-operative  efforts  of  mortals  and  spirits, 
there  was  constructed  and  established  a  line  of  com 
munication  between  the  two  worlds — the  mortal  and 
the  spiritual.  Two  little  children,  the  Fox  girls, 
were  the  mediums,  a  combination  of  operator  and 
electric  battery — or,  in  other  words  the  necessary 
instruments  for  successful  spiritual  telegraphy.  In 
this  obscure  home  of  the  poor  and  lowly,  in  a  quiet 
way,  unheralded  and  unannounced,  there  came  to  the 
world  a  knowledge  of  the  existence  of  one  of  na 
ture's  grandest  laws,  the  law  of  mediumship ;  there 
after  the  way  was  open,  on  the  physical  plane  of  ex 
istence,  for  an  unlimited  series  of  practical  demon 
strations  of  the  immortality  of  the  human  soul :  the 
continuity  of  conscious  life  was  substantiated  by  an 
endless  variety  of  proofs  of  the  most  convincing 
character. 

With  this  solution,  of  the  destiny  of  the  human 
soul  as  an  immortal  and  imperishable  entity,  came 
the  solid  ground  on  which  to  build  a  permanent  foun 
dation  for  a  social  and  industrial  organization,  on  a 
basis  of  unselfish,  harmonious  co-operation  in  per 
fect  accord  with  planetary  evolution,  and  the  real 
object  and  purpose  of  human  life. 

rr..'s  strong  combination  of  the  working  factors  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  135 

the  problem,  suggested  to  the  mind  of  Fern  Fenwick 
the  importance  of  first  attempting  to  interest  the 
minds  of  the  people  she  wished  to  control,  in  the 
question  of  immortality  as  a  natural  fact  that  fol 
lowed  the  dual  nature  of  all  human  life,  as  a  result 
of  planetary  evolution.  Once  interested,  she  could 
then  convince  them  of  the  immortality  of  the  soul, 
as  a  conscious,  imperishable  entity,  by  practical 
demonstrations  through  the  law  of  mediumship. 

These  demonstrations  would  make  it  clear  to  them 
that  life  on  the  physical  plane  of  existence  is  transi 
tory  and  ephemeral;  somewhat  in  the  nature  of  a 
very  brief  period  of  primary  experiences ;  that  life 
on  the  spiritual  plane  of  existence  is  permanent  and 
enduring;  that  therefore  the  pathway  of  progress 
for  the  human  soul  must  be  almost  entirely  within 
the  realms  of  the  world  of  spirit;  that  this  great 
truth  should  have  careful  consideration  when  deal 
ing  with  questions  affecting  human  lives ;  that  the 
dominant  immortal  spirit  of  the  dual  individual  pos 
sesses  a  corporeal  body,  or  mortal  form,  as  a  crude 
outward  expression  of  the  indwelling  spirit  In  its 
earthly  existence ;  that  this  mortal  form  enfolds  all 
the  possibilities  of  a  life  of  eternal  progression  for 
the  Ego  or  spirit  as  a  conscious  identity  on  the  spir 
itual  plane  of  existence ;  that  the  change  called  death 
is  a  natural  one,  to  be  approached  calmly  without  a 
fear;  that  it  is  really  a  new  birth,  which  does  not 
disturb  the  continuity  of  life. 

Once  convinced  of  the  verity  of  these  great  truths, 
all  lovers  of  humanity,  all  progressive  people,  all 
earnest  thinkers,  would  readily  understand  and  ap 
preciate  the  sacredness  of  human  life,  as  the  flower 
and  fruit  of  the  planet — its  highest  expression ;  they 
would  then  be  prepared  to  co-operate  with  any  pro- 


136  SOLARIS  FARM. 

gressive  movement  for  the  advancement  of  the  race. 
To  make  the  necessary  conditions  for  the  accom 
plishment  of  this  great  work  was  the  grand  purpose 
of  Pern  Fenwick's  Washington  life.  With  this  pur 
pose  in  view,  Fenwick  Hall  had  been  especially  fitted 
and  equipped.  For  this  she  had  cultivated  a  large 
circle  of  acquaintances  among  the  fashionable  lead 
ers  of  the  best  society  of  the  Capital  City.  Caring 
but  little  for  the  ceasless  round  of  soul-wearying  so 
cial  functions  which  so  completely  absorbed  these 
people ;  yet  filled  with  a  determination  to  win  them 
to  a  higher  life,  she  bore  herself  bravely  through 
the  season  which  proved  one  long  procession  of  so 
cial  triumphs.  Inspired  by  the  intensity  of  a  grand 
purpose;  endowed  with  a  clear,  musical  voice,  per 
fect  health,  youth  and  beauty,  combined  with  a  char 
mingly  irresistible  personal  magnetism ;  armed  with 
the  quiet  dignity  of  perfect  self-control,  and  the 
genius  of  her  brilliant  mind,  so  broadly  cultured ;  an 
adept  in  psychic  lore ;  an  entertaining  and  eloquent 
conversationalist,  our  heroine  created  a  profound 
sensation  in  the  most  select  circles  of  the  social 
world.  Everywhere  she  was  the  center  of  attrac 
tion,  surrounded  by  admiring  throngs  of  cultured 
people,  representing  wealth  and  leisure,  who  has 
tened  to  pay  homage  to  her  as  a  Twentieth  Century 
society  goddess,  whose  wand  of  magic  controlled 
millions  of  money.  In  the  homes  of  the  exclusive 
few,  she  was  hailed  as  a  thrice  welcome  guest ;  celeb 
rities,  ranking  high  as  statesmen,  soldiers,  poets,  ar 
tists,  anthors,  representative  professional  men  .and 
leading  men  of  business,  were  completely  charmed 
and  curiously  fascinated  by  this  new  queen  of  the 
social  realm,  and  vied  with  each  other  in  eager  ef 
forts  to  win  her  favor  and  perhaps  her  friendship, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  137 

in  the  hope  of  gaining  admittance  to  the  very  limi 
ted  circle  of  fortunate  people  who  were  the  recipi 
ents  of  invitations  to  the  famous  dinners,  receptions 
and  entertainments  at  Fenwick  Hall.  These  people 
instinctively  felt  the  attractive  power  of  some  silent, 
mysterious  force,  some  high  motive,  which,  combined 
with  dazzling  beauty  and  brilliant  genius,  drew  them 
to  her  side,  without  the  wish  or  power  to  resist. 

This  phenomenal  wave  of  popularity  continued  to 
increase  until  a  choice  of  the  best  people  in  every 
branch  of  the  social  world,  was  at  the  command  of 
this  new  leader  of  the  exclusive  set ;  they  were  ready 
to  assist  in  carrying  forward  any  progressive  move 
ment  she  might  choose,  by  her  championship  to 
make  the  fashion.  However,  this  universal  willing 
ness  to  follow  her  leadership,  seemed  based  on  a  firm 
conviction  in  some  way  unconsciously  established  in 
the  minds  of  her  devotees,  that  all  of  Fern  Fen- 
wick's  plans  and  purposes  were  for  the  good  of  hu 
manity,  wisely  guided  by  a  skill  and  judgment  most 
remarkably  rare — apparently  far  beyond  her  years  ! 
The  whole  situation  was  a  complex  problem  they 
could  not  analyze  :  they  did  not  even  try  ! 

With  the  advent  of  modern  spiritualism  in  1848, 
came  the  first  opportunity  to  bring  woman  forward 
as  a  teacher  and  leader  in  the  great  work  of  eleva 
ting  and  spiritualizing  the  masses.  As  a  heritage 
from  her  sister  oracles,  who  spake  in  the  mystic 
temples  of  the  ancient  past,  the  modern  woman  was 
endowed  with  the  divinity  of  a  rarely  sensitive  and 
highly  refined  spiritual  organization.  By  virtue  of 
this  endowment,  she  speedily  demonstrated  her  pe 
culiar  fitness  for  this  new  mission.  Her  eloquence 
and  inspiration  charmed  the  multitude  from  a  thous 
and  rostrums.  Her  work  in  this  new  field  was  so 


138  SOLARIS  FARM. 

startlingly  brilliant,  important  and  successful  as  to 
attract  the  attention  of  the  whole  civilized  world ; 
affording  a  remarkable  object  lesson  which  demon 
strated  her  possession,  as  the  mouth-piece  of  inspi 
ration,  of  a  wonderful  magnetic  power  to  sway  the 
people ;  to  enthuse,  interest  and  educate  them  up  to 
higher  mental,  moral  and  spiritual  conditions ;  by 
making  them  aware  of  the  vast  import  of  the  true 
purpose  of  human  life ;  by  helping  them  to  realize  to 
a  limited  degree,  the  significance  of  immortality, 
their  individual  responsibility  in  relation  to  the  uni 
verse,  as  important  factors  in  the  evolutionary  ad 
vancement  of  the  race  toward  the  millennium  of  its 
final  destiny. 

These  inspired  teachings  touched  a  responsive 
chord  in  the  hearts  of  all  womankind  as  they  began, 
dimly  at  first,  to  perceive  the  all-pervading  force 
and  rythm  of  the  dominant  key-note  to  tho  evolution 
of  the  race,  which  in  thunder  tones  ever  proclaims 
the  mighty  truth,  that  all  progress  of  the  race  de 
pends  entirely  upon  the  elevation,  education  and  re 
finement  achieved  by  woman.  They  also  began  to 
understand  something  of  the  glorious  possibilities  of 
a  perfected  womanhood,  as  a  regenerator  of  man 
kind.  A  magnificent  array  of  future  victories  for 
woman's  work  loomed  up  before  them  as  a  command 
to  awake ;  to  prepare  for  the  coming  dawn  of  the 
twentieth  century — the  beginning  of  a  new  cycle  in 
the  life  of  the  planet ;  the  commencement  of  woman's 
golden  era !  To  woman  the  command  was  impera 
tive  that  she  must  strive  for  more  wisdom,  for  more 
light  on  her  holy  mission  as  the  evangel  of  evolving 
life ;  that  she  might  reach  a  higher  consciousness  of 
her  individual  responsibility  as  the  keeper  and  guar 
dian  of  the  sacred  temple  of  human  life — a  temple 


SOLARIS  FARM.  139 

in  which  is  ever  repeated  the  evolution,  ontogeny, 
and  phylogeny  of  the  race  ;  where,  by  this  most  mys 
teriously  beautiful  of  all  processes,  there  is  con 
stantly  being  welded  together  the  planetary  growth, 
physical,  mental  and  psychical  experiences  of  ages 
upon  ages  in  the  past ;  with  the  higher,  purer,  better 
and  more  spiritual  possibilities  of  the  race  in  its 
planetary  progress  for  uncounted  ages  yet  to  come. 

From  this  general  awakening  there  followed — for 
the  purpose  of  securing  that  practical  education  of 
training,  which  actual  contact  and  individual  expe 
rience  alone  can  confer — a  vigorous  effort  on  the  part 
of  the  brightest  and  most  progresive  women  of  the 
Nineteenth  Century,  to  enter,  singly  and  as  organi 
zations,  into  all  the  activities  of  life.  Hampered  by 
the  blinding  predjudice  of  a  long  line  of  centuries ; 
many  of  these  earlier  organizations,  as  might  have 
been  foreseen,  were  unsparingly  criticised  as  exhibi 
tions  of  ill-directed  foolishness,  altogether  crude, 
unprogressive  and  unsatisfactory.  Nevertheless, 
the  dominant  spirit  of  courageous  and  persistent 
effort,  combined  with  high  purpose  and  pure  motive, 
soon  won  the  approval  of  the  better  classes  and  ac 
complished  a  marked  improvement  in  both  work  and 
method.  This  rapid  improvement  pointed  unerr 
ingly  to  future  achievment  of  that  success  shown  in 
the  conditions  which  prevailed  at  the  close  of  the 
century,  whereby  woman  was  very  generally  recog 
nized  as  a  necessary  and  successful  co-worker  in  all 
the  suitable  employments  of  life. 

Fern  Fenwick,  in  full  sympathy  with  the  move 
ment,  was  alive  to  the  demands  of  the  situation. 
With  the  purpose  of  concentrating  the  efforts  of  all 
the  women's  organizations  which  held  their  annual 
conventions  in  Washington,  into  one  channel,  lead- 


140  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ing  to  perfect  motherhood,  as  the  result  of  woman's 
social  and  financial  independence  ;  she  identified  her 
self  with  them  as  a  generous  contributor.  Soon  she 
became  the  friend  and  trusted  adviser  of  all  of  the 
leaders.  She  placed  Fenwick  Hall  at  their  disposal, 
for  use  as  a  general  headquarters.  In  this  way,  a 
wise  direction  of  the  combined  women's  movement 
into  a  united  work  along  lines  in  harmony  with  plan 
etary  evolution  for  the  perfection  of  the  race,  be 
came  an  integral  part  of  Fern  Fenwick's  broad  plan 
for  a  life  work. 

By  the  end  of  Fillmore  Flagg's  first  year  at  So 
laris  Farm,  Fern  Fenwick  had  matured  her  plans  for 
her  own  peculiar  work.  Much  to  her  satisfaction, 
the  necessary  conditions  had  been  created,  the  whole 
movement  organized  and  well  in  hand.  Fillmore's 
work  for  the  education  and  elevation  of  the  agricul 
tural  classes,  had  given  her  energy  and  inspiration 
to  accomplish  a  similar  and  co-operative  work  among 
people  of  wealth  and  leisure,  who,  ignorant  of  the 
true  object  and  purpose  of  life,  were  unwittingly 
wasting  precious  years  in  leading  indolent  and  aim 
less  lives,  by  lending  themselves  body  and  soul  to 
the  care  and  canker  of  the  fashionable  game  of  kill 
ing  time.  One  year's  experience  had  taught  her 
that  the  task  was  a  difficult  one,  to  accomplish  which 
required  time,  patience  and  perseverance,  reinforced 
by  courage,  skill  and  tact. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  141 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

HIS  WOOING     PROSPERS  WHILE    OUR    HERO    ENJOYS 
HIS   FIRST   VACATION. 

PERN  PENWICK'S  interest  in  the  experimental  farm 
was  intense.  She  read  with  eagerness  the  weekly 
reports  from  Fillmore  Flagg,  which  were  accompa 
nied  by  such  charmingly  ardent  love  letters.  She 
was  very  proud  of  the  success  he  had  achieved  in 
two  short  years.  She  blushed  as  she  thought  how 
dear  to  her  he  had  become  in  those  busy  months  which 
swiftly  passed.  How  much  she  should  miss  him  and 
his  fascinating  love  letters,  if  by  evil  chance  any 
thing  should  should  happen  to  take  him  away  from 
her !  She  could  not  contemplate  such  a  possibility 
without  a  shudder.  Now  that  her  studies  were  fin 
ished  and  her  plans  perfected,  why  not  send  for  him 
to  come  to  Fenwick  Hall  for  a  week's  vacation  ?  He 
had  certainly  earned  the  privilege  which  he  would 
prize  so  much.  The  opportunity  to  personally  com 
pare  notes  and  exchange  suggestions  would  no  doubt 
prove  helpful  to  the  farm  work  and  to  her  own. 
She  longed  for  the  confidential  companionship  of 
some  one  who  was  in  perfect  sympathy  with  her, 
who  could  understand  her  work,  and  appreciate  her 
motives  in  carrying  it  forward ;  some  one  who  would 
be  able  to  advise  her  wisely  and  unselfishly ;  one  in 
whom  she  had  implicit  confidence.  Who  so  capable 
and  so  desirable  as  Fillmore  Flagg  ?  Acting  on  the 
impulse  of  the  moment,  she  wrote  the  letter  direct 
ing  him  to  come  at  once. 

To  Fillmore  Flagg,  the  summons  to  Washington 


142  SOLARIS   FARM. 

proved  as  welcome  as  it  was  unexpected.  He  came 
at  the  earliest  possible  moment.  The  hope  of  again 
meeting  the  noblest,  sweetest,  and  dearest  woman 
in  the  world  for  him,  his  heart's  idol ;  of  again  being 
permitted  to  look  long  and  lovingly  into  her  glo 
riously  beautiful  eyes,  stirred  his  emotional  nature 
intensely,  and  fired  his  throbbing  pulse  with  the  fe 
ver  of  impatient  expectancy.  The  beautiful  words  of 
the  poet  Dennison,  in  his  "Night  Ride  of  a  Lover," 
were  ever  in  his  mind  and  on  his  lips.  Over  and 
over  again  he  murmered  : 

* '  Though  fleet  as  an  arrow  he  flies, 
Though  sundering  space  swiftly  dies, 
My  heart  cries  '  Oh  haste  ! 
All  time  is  a  waste 

'Till  I  drink  of  her  soul  at  her  eyes  ! ' " 
The  speediest  express  train  seemed  a  laggard,  left 
far  behind  in  the  race  of  the  journey  by  his  swift  de 
sire,  which  kept  pace  with  the  telegram  announcing 
his  departure  from  Solaris  and  the  probable  time  of 
his  arrival  in  Washington.  At  length  his  heart  was 
made  glad  by  a  distant  glimpse  of  the  dome  of  the 
Capitol,  which  seemed  to  give  him  a  welcome  greet 
ing  as  it  marked  his  approach  to  the  great  city.  He 
found  Fern  Fenwick's  carriage,  with  Mrs.  Bainbridge 
waiting  for  him  at  the  depot.  Half  an  hour  later  he 
was  shown  into  the  library  at  Fenwick  Hall,  where 
in  radiant  beauty  his  blushing  sweetheart  gave  him 
a  royal  welcome. 

As  he  approached  her,  with  shining  eyes  and  face 
aglow,  soul  and  body  radiant  with  the  grace  and  ado 
ration  of  his  all-absorbing  love,  the  heroic  order  of 
his  manly  beauty  thrilled  the  heart  of  Fern  Fenwick 
with  its  irresistible  charm.  The  kisses  claimed  by 
a  lover's  privilege,  she  was  powerless  to  deny.  Nay! 


SOLARIS  FARM.  143 

she  did  not  try  to  hide  the  shining  light  of  a  great 
happiness  from  the  adoring  eyes  of  such  a  noble 
lover,  whose  magnetic  presence  stilled  the  tumult  of 
her  fluttering  heart  with  the  ecstatic  calm  of  a  meas 
ureless  content ;  that  unmistakable  signature  of  sanc 
tion,  that  crowning  seal  of  nature's  approval  which 
greets  the  meeting  of  kindred  souls,  who,  mated  in 
the  warp  and  woof  of  the  web  of  destiny,  in  the 
flashing  flight  of  Cupid's  dart,  become  the  harmo 
niously  united  halves  of  a  perfect  whole. 

Ah,  thrice  happy,  thrice  blessed,  thrice  crowned 
lovers  !  How  swiftly  passed  those  golden  hours,  as 
hand  in  hand,  they  sat  entranced,  with  soulful  eyes 
in  silent  communion,  dreaming  and  drifting  in  the 
cloud-land  of  love's  harvest-moon,  in  whose  silvery 
mist  they  lost  all  consciousness  of  the  existence  in 
this  world  of  aught  else  beside  themselves  ! 

The  next  morning  after  his  arrival  at  Fenwick 
Hall,  Fillmore  Flagg  having  breakfasted  with  Fern 
Fenwick  and  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  accompanied  the  for 
mer  to  her  work  room  in  the  tower.  Here,  as  had 
been  arranged  on  the  previous  evening,  she  gave 
him  a  complete  account  of  her  work  in  Washington, 
since  the  transition  of  her  father.  She  also  gave 
the  details  of  her  general  plan  for  enlarging  the 
scope  of  the  work  to  include  the  women's  movement 
and  of  directing  the  combined  work  in  such  a  way 
as  to  become  an  aid  to  the  work  of  the  model  farm. 

"My  dear  Fillmore,"  said  Fern,  "How  are  you  im 
pressed  by  my  scheme  for  carrying  out  the  chosen 
plans  ?  Can  you  suggest  anything  that  may  be  of 
assistance  to  me  ?  " 

"Your  scheme,"  replied  Fillmore  Flagg,  "is  a 
glorious  one  which  promises  to  start  a  revolution  in 
the  aristocratic  circles  of  society.  It  impresses  me 


144  SOLARIS   FARM. 

profoundly,  as  a  deep  laid  plot,  cunning  and  strong, 
which  must  accomplish  a  vast  amount  of  good  for 
the  interests  of  humanity.  So  deep,  so  broad  and 
so  vast  are  its  possibilities,  that  a  week  devoted  to 
study  and  reflection  would  but  poorly  prepare  me  to 
understand  its  significance  or  perfection  as  a  whole, 
much  less  to  pronounce  judgment  upon  it.  But  at 
this  moment,  of  one  thing  I  feel  sure — that  the  noble 
purpose  which  has  inspired  your  skill  and  genius  in 
the  construction  of  this  remarkable  plan,  which 
deals  so  effectively  and  practically  with  human  life 
as  the  result  of  planetary  evolution,  will  prove  a 
sure  guide  to  success.  The  plan  itself,  in  all  of  its 
details,  is  already  so  perfect,  in  my  estimation,  as  to 
leave  nothing  for  me  to  suggest  by  way  of  improve 
ment.  It  is  characteristic  of  you  and  of  your  ca 
pacity  for  brilliant  work  !  I  am,  more  than  ever  be 
fore,  amazed  at  this  exhibition  of  your  intellectual 
greatness,  which  demonstrates  your  power  to  think 
so  deeply  and  plan  so  wisely.  I  am  very  proud  of 
you  !  I  am  especially  grateful  for  this  opportunity 
to  burn  incense  as  a  worshipper  at  the  shrine  of  your 
genius  !  You  ask  to  what  extent  will  the  work  affect 
the  destiny  of  woman  ?  I  answer,  its  possibilities  in 
that  direction  are  limitless  !  They  are  beyond  the 
power  of  any  living  mortal  to  comprehend !  With 
woman  surrounded  by  such  conditions  of  financial 
independence,  and  such  harmonious  environments  as 
will  permit  her  to  devote  the  best  energies  of  her 
soul  to  the  perfection  of  the  highest  type  of  mother 
hood,  there  will  come  a  solution  of  the  problem  of 
how  best  to  accomplish  the  perfection  of  the  race. 
Surely,  generations  far  in  the  future  shall  rise  up  to 
call  you  blessed !  Dearest,  best  and  noblest  of  wo 
men  !  Go  forward  bravely  without  a  fear  for  the  TQ- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  145 

suit.  Uudoubtedly  your  plan  possesses  all  the  ele 
ments  of  success.  With  the  talisman  of  your  good 
ness  and  beauty  as  the  moving  force,  you  cannot 
fail.  Whatever  I  am  capable  of  doing  to  assist  you, 
I  shall  do  gladly,  with  all  my  heart  and  strength. " 

"Thank  you,  my  dear  Fillmore,"  said  Fern,  "your 
words  of  assurance  and  approval,  so  beautifully  ex 
pressed,  have  appealed  potently  to  all  that  is  good 
and  spiritual  in  my  nature.  They  have  inspired  me 
to  better  and  nobler  deeds.  They  are  very  grateful 
to  me  and  I  prize  them  highly. 

' '  Now  that  you  are  so  much  interested,  I  feel  sure 
you  will  be  able  to  help  me  in  thinking  out  some 
problems  which  puzzle  me.  For  instance :  From 
among  the  people  I  have  interested,  I  wish  to  select 
and  concentrate  the  dominant  thinkers  and  workers 
of  both  sexes  and  from  all  classes,  into  some  kind  of 
a  club  organization,  for  the  purpose  of  still  further 
perfecting  the  efficiency  of  organized  co-operative 
effort.  Question  :  Shall  this  society  take  the  form  of 
a  club?  If  so,  what  name  shall  I  choose  for  it?  In 
its  formation  what  method  shall  I  use  ?  Can  you 
evolve  anything  from  your  inner  consciousness  in 
answer  to  these  questions  ?  " 

Absorbed  in  the  intensity  and  earnestness  of  her 
questioning  spirit,  Fern  Fenwick  left  her  chair  and 
as  her  interrogatories  came  to  an  end,  she  stood  by 
side  of  Fillmore  Flagg,  looking  straight  into  his  eyes 
with  such  a  penetrating,  magnetic  glance,  that  for 
some  moments  he  was  unable  to  reply.  With  his 
beautiful  curl-crowned  head  thrown  back  to  meet 
and  return  her  entrancing  gaze,  he  breathed  but 
slowly  and  for  the  moment  seemed  rigid  as  a  man  of 
marble;  a  far-off,  dreamy  look  shone  from  his  half 
closed  eyes.  Presently,  with  a  long  sigh,  speaking 


146  SOLARIS  FARM. 

very  slowly  and  softly,  he  said  :  ' '  Ah  !  Miss  Fenwick, 
I  think  I  see  what  you  are  reaching  out  for.  Your 
idea  is  coming  to  me  now  quite  clearly."  Then  with 
returning  animation  he  continued:  "Yes,  I  grasp 
the  idea ;  it  is  capital !  I  believe  I  can  help  you.  I 
would  suggest  the  use  of  the  club  formation  without 
using  the  word  'club'  in  its  title.  I  would  call  it 
'The  Twentieth  Century  Cosmos.'  I  would  choose 
for  its  badge  of  membership  a  small  silver  fern  leaf, 
crossed  by  a  large  gold  key.  I  would  advise  that 
you  alone,  as  the  founder  and  sole  director  of  the 
club,  should  have  the  power  to  select  the  members, 
and  to  decorate  them  with  the  badge  of  membership. 
To  be  in  harmony  with  the  century  idea,  the  number 
of  members  should  be  limited  to  one  hundred.  All 
meetings  of  the  club  should  be  held  in  suitable  rooms 
at  Fenwick  Hall;  these  rooms  should  be  known  as 
Cosmos  Court.  Admittance  to  each  meeting  should 
be  gained  by  the  presentation  at  the  door,  of  an  invi 
tation,  printed  on  club  paper,  bearing  the  name  of 
the  member,  giving  the  date  and  stating  the  object 
of  the  meeting,  all  duly  attested  by  your  written  sig 
nature  as  director. 

"The  object  and  purpose  of  the  existence  of  the 
club  may  be  stated  as  follows  :  That  its  member 
ship  may  secure,  by  the  harmonious  association  of 
properly  qualified  minds, — which  shall  represent  the 
dominant  thinkers  in  all  departments  of  knowledge — 
a  higher,  broader  conception  of  the  possibilities  and 
purposes  of  li'fe ;  as  the  necessary  basis  which  shall 
make  it  possible  to  acquire  a  larger  store  of  cosmic 
wisdom,  by  the  use  of  systematic  methods  of  co-op 
erative  research,  study  and  thought. 

"This  system  of  formation  for  a  club  would  cer 
tainly  be  unique.  I  believe  it  will  prove  to  be  es- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  147 

pecially  well  fitted  for  the  accomplishment  of  your 
peculiar  work.  Does  the  plan  proposed  meet  your 
approval  by  offering  satisfactory  answers  to  your 
questions  ?  " 

"Oh  !  my  dear  Fillmore,"  said  Fern,  "what  a  dar 
ling,  clever  boy  you  are,  to  be  sure !  Now  it  is  my 
turn  to  praise  your  wisdom  and  your  genius.  I  think 
your  plan  is  an  excellent  one,  which  will  suit  the  exi 
gencies  of  my  purpose  most  admirably.  Before  you 
return  to  Solaris  we  will  consider  the  details  more  at 
length.  Now  let  us  change  the  subject. 

*  *  In  keeping  you  so  long  at  my  work,  how  selfish 
and  thoughtless  I  have  been !  I  shall  try  to  make 
amends !  I  have  planned  to  make  your  brief  visit 
as  pleasant  as  possible.  To  day  I  must  show  you 
over  the  house  and  grounds.  In  the  afternoon  we 
shall  take  a  long  drive  which  will  give  you  a  glimpse 
of  the  beautiful  streets,  buildings,  parks  and  monu 
ments  of  our  lovely  city.  Each  afternoon  these 
drives  are  to  be  repeated,  until  you  are  familiar 
with  the  great  possibilities  of  this  city  of  destiny, 
this  priceless  gift — the  perpetual  home  of  the  gov 
ernment  of  the  nation — from  General  George  Wash 
ington,  who  is  forever  enshrined  in  the  hearts  of  the 
people  as  the  founder  of  the  republic,  the  father  of 
his  country  !  When  you  return  to  our  farm  people, 
I  wish  you  to  be  able  to  impress  them  with  the  match 
less  beauty,  vastness  and  importance  of  the  City  of 
Washington,  the  political  center  of  this  unrivaled  re 
public.  It  is  my  great  desire  to  have  them  always 
think  of  it  and  speak  of  it  with  love  and  pride,  with 
feelings  of  individual  proprietary  interest,  as  they 
realize  that  they  are  important  factors,  as  voters  and 
working  units  of  the  government,  in  the  great  work 
of  shaping  its  destiny. 


148  SOLARIS  FARM. 

' '  As  you  are  the  guest  of  honor  at  Fenwick  Hall, 
I  am  going  to  do  my  best  to  make  you,  for  one  week, 
the  happiest  ma-n  in  town  !  The  evenings  are  to  be 
devoted  to  the  theatre,  the  opera,  and  to  various  so 
ciety  events  at  Fenwick  Hall,  arranged  for  your  es 
pecial  benefit  and  edification." 

"My  dear  Fern,"  said  Fillmore,  "How  good  and 
kind  you  are  !  To  be  near  you,  to  hear  your  voice,  to 
look  into  your  beautiful  eyes  ;  is  paradise  for  me  !  A 
week  so  full  of  happiness,  I  shall  cherish  as  the  one 
week  of  a  lifetime !  As  to  these  society  events  of 
which  you  speak,  I  shall  be  jealous  of  each  moment 
so  devoted  which  shall  take  you  from  my  side.  Pray 
then,  my  good  angel,  do  make  such  moments  as  short 
as  possible ! " 

"Rest  assured,  my  knight  of  the  farm,  you  shall 
have  no  cause  to  complain, "  said  Fern,  with  a  saucy 
smile  as  she  laid  her  hand  caressingly  on  his  arm. 
' '  You  are  to  come  with  me,  prepared  to  look  and  lis 
ten,  while  I  show  you  the  beauties  of  my  Washing 
ton  home ! " 

*****          ***** 

As  the  "Saint  Louis  Express"  left  the  Washington 
station,  westward  bound,  Fillmore  Flagg  caught  a 
final  glimpse  of  Fern  Fenwick,  as  with  characteris 
tic  grace  and  enthusiasm  she  continued  to  wave  a 
parting  salute  with  her  dainty  lace  handkerchief,  un 
til  the  train  had  vanished  around  the  curve.  With  a 
sigh  he  returned  to  his  seat  to  muse  over  the  events 
of  the  week  which  had  passed  so  sweetly  yet  so  very 
swiftly  for  him. 

Yes,  Fern  had  kept  her  pledge  up  to  the  last  mo 
ment.  As  the  guest  of  honor  at  Fenwick  Hall,  she 
as  hostess,  in  all  the  graciousness  of  her  bewitching 
beauty,  marked  by  such  charming  tenderness,  had 


SOLARIS  FARM.  149 

made  him  conscious  each  day  that  he  was  indeed  the 
happiest  man  in  town.  He  now  returned  to  Solaris 
with  renewed  courage  and  enthusiasm,  to  prepare 
for  the  celebration  at  the  farm  of  the  coming  arbor- 
day  festival,  which  Fern  had  promised  to  attend.  As 
this  celebration  was  to  mark  her  first  visit  to  Solaris 
Farm,  he  wished  most  ardently  to  have  it  prove  a 
great  success. 

The  events  of  the  past  week  had  been  a  revelation 
to  Fillmore  Flagg :  a  host  of  new  attributes  to  the 
noble  character  of  Fern  Fenwick  had  shone  forth 
and  dazzled  him  by  their  unexpected  brilliancy.  He 
began  to  realize  what  a  wonderful  woman  she  was  in 
this  new  role,  as  the  queen  of  the  select  set  in  the 
aristocratic  circles  of  "Washington  society. 

Her  strange  power  to  mold  the  minds  of  these  peo 
ple  ;  to  make  them  strive  for  the  accomplishment  of 
social  and  industrial  reforms,  which  meant  the  re 
demption  of  the  masses,  impressed  him  most  pro 
foundly.  By  what  remarkable  process  had  she,  in 
so  short  a  time,  achieved  such  commanding  heights 
of  intellectual  and  spiritual  greatness  ?  Heights, 
where  by  operating  from  the  vantage  ground  of  the 
social  and  political  center  of  the  republic,  like  some 
chief  marshal  on  the  broad  field  of  human  events, 
she  could,  by  the  unseen  and  irresistible  power  of 
hypnotic  suggestion,  inspire,  guide  and  control  the 
causative  and  law-making  forces  which  so  power 
fully  affect  all  social  and  industrial  conditions.  Was 
it  possible  that  spiritual  unfoldment  alone,  qould  con 
fer  such  marvelous  power  ?  Apparently  in  response 
to  the  intensity  of  his  question,  came  the  reply  : 

11  When  a  person  representing  combined  physical, 
intellectual  and  spiritual  unfoldment,  is  inspired  by 
a  noble,  unselfish  desire  to  accomplish  a  great  good 


150  SOLARIS  FARM. 

for  all  human  life,  by  the  use  of  methods  that  are  in 
conjunctive  harmony  with  the  evolutionary  progress 
of  the  planet :  then  such  a  desire  acquires  an  irresis 
tible  force.  Naught  can  prevail  against  it !  In  com 
pliance  with  the  demands  of  a  wise  cosmic  law,  it 
has  received  the  omnistic  seal  of  nature's  approval." 
The  clearness  and  wisdom  of  this  unexpected  re 
ply,  appealed  strongly  to  the  reason  of  Fillmore 
Flagg.  Profoundly  moved,  yet  outwardly  calm,  he 
perceived  at  once  that  the  truth  of  the  statement 
was  absolute  !  In  the  new  light  of  this  remarkable 
revelation,  he  wished  to  carefully  examine  the  claim 
of  the  model  co-operative  farm  to  the  seal  of  nature's 
approval.  Were  the  desires,  the  ideas  and  the  meth 
ods  in  conjunctive  harmony  with  planetary  evolution? 
Apparently  they  were !  That  the  success  of  the 
model  farm  meant  the  elevation  and  future  happi 
ness  of  humanity,  was  true  beyond  question.  Equally 
so  was  the  intensity  and  unselfishness  of  the  desire 
which  had  inspired  his  action  and  the  acts  of  Fenni- 
more  Fenwick  and  his  daughter,  Fern.  Surely  then, 
the  project  bore  the  unmistakable  stamp  of  approval 
which  foretold  success  !  It  could  not  fail !  It  must 
succeed  !  It  was  irresistible  and  invincible  ! 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

A  SURPRISE  PARTY  AND  RECEPTION  COMBINED. 

As  THE  train  approached  the  station  at  Solaris, 
Fillmore,  in  blissful  ignorance  of  coming  events,  be 
gan  to  prepare  himself  to  leave  the  coach.  In  re 
sponse  to  a  letter  from  George  Gerrish,  he  had  wired 


SOLARIS  FARM.  151 

from  St.  Louis  the  time  of  his  arrival.  As  he  was 
stepping  from  the  train  to  the  long  platform,  his 
hand  baggage  was  seized  by  trusty  hands  and  quick 
ly  disappeared.  He  noted  with  amazement  the  gaily 
decorated  station  and  the  throng  of  waiting  people. 
Before  he  had  recovered  from  his  surprise,  Gertrude 
Gerrish,  evidently  striving  to  assume  a  very  digni 
fied  deportment,  advanced  to  meet  him.  As  she  gave 
him  a  hearty  welcome,  she  said : 

"As  the  leader  of  the  reception  committee,  repre 
senting  the  membership  and  children  of  the  Solaris 
Farm  Company,  who  are  gathered  here  in  holiday 
attire,  unanimous  in  a  desire  to  do  honor  to  you ;  I 
greet  you  !  I  welcome  you  back  to  Solaris  Farm  ! " 

Turning  quickly,  with  a  wave  of  her  hand,  she 
said :  ' '  People  of  Solaris,  three  cheers  for  our  Gen 
eral  Manager ! "  At  this  time,  the  train  having  de 
parted,  the  farm  people  almost  covered  the  platform 
with  two  deep  lines,  facing  a  narrow  lane  in  the  cen 
ter,  with  heads  uncovered,  prepared  and  waiting  for 
the  signal.  The  response  came  instantly  in  a  ring 
ing  cheer  from  six  hundred  well-trained  throats : 
1 1  Hurrah  !  Hurrah  !  Hurrah  for  Fillmore  Flagg  !  Wel 
come  !  Welcome  !  Welcome  back  to  Solaris  Farm  ! " 

Almost  before  Fillmore  was  aware  of  what  had 
really  happened,  Gertrude  Gerrish  had  taken  his 
arm,  as  with  a  mysterious  smile  she  said:  "I  am 
now  to  escort  you  to  the  carriage  prepared  for  your 
reception.  We  are  then  to  be  escorted  by  the  pro 
cession  to  the  public  square,  in  front  of  the  hall  of 
education  and  amusement,  where  the  final  ceremonies 
are  to  take  place,  Of  course  you  are  surprised  !  We 
have  planned  for  that  very  purpose  !  f  So  come  along 
now  without  one  word  of  protest!  At  the  proper 
moment  you  are  to  have  as  much  time  as  you  may 


152  SOLARIS   FARM. 

desire  in  which  to  relieve  your  mind.  For  the  pres 
ent  you  are  to  keep  quiet  and  obey  ^ne — a  despotic 
master  of  ceremonies  whose  will  is  imperative  and 
whose  dignity  is  not  to  be  questioned,  even  for  a 
moment ! " 

Fillmore  Flagg,  now  obediently  dumb,  entered  into 
the  spirit  of  the  occasion.  He  was  very  much  sur 
prised — nay,  well-nigh  dazed — yet  withal  delighted, 
as  the  happy  significance  of  this  unexpected  welcome 
came  slowly  into  his  mind.  With  hat  in  hand,  bow 
ing  and  smiling,  arm  in  arm  with  Gertrude  Gerrish, 
he  slowly  passed  between  the  long  lines  of  happy 
faces,  keeping  step  with  the  throbbing  measure  of 
the  soft  sweet  music  discoursed  by  the  band.  At 
regular  intervals,  groups  of  gaily  dressed  children 
waved  their  pretty  flags  or  playfully  pelted  him  with 
roses.  As  the  twain  reached  the  end  of  the  lines,  a 
novel  chariot  was  waiting :  a  ladder-wagon  of  the 
Solaris  fire  company,  drawn  by  twenty  brawny  fire 
laddies,  was  equipped  with  a  broad  platform,  beauti 
fully  draped,  bearing  at  each  corner  a  choice  selec 
tion  of  fine  large  potted  palms.  In  the  center  of  this 
platform  was  a  smaller  one,  raised  still  higher ;  on 
this  was  placed  the  seat  of  honor,  which  was  covered 
by  a  lovely  canopy  of  artistically  interwoven  ferns 
and  flowers.  A  broad  flight  of  rough  board  steps, 
carpeted  and  decorated,  led  up  to  the  lofty  seat  on 
this  unique  chariot.  While  our  hero  and  the  ' '  Mas 
ter  of  Ceremonies"  were  climbing  to  reach  it,  the 
procession  quickly  formed  about  the  chariot  into  an 
elongated  hollow  square,  eight  ranks  deep  ;  the  chil 
dren  with  their  flags  marching  in  alternating  lines  of 
boys  and  girls,  formed  the  front  of  the  square,  while 
the  adults  arranged  in  the  same  order,  formed  the 
sides  and  the  rear.  Gilbert  Gerrish,  with  the  band 


SOLARIS  FARM.  153 

of  musicians,  selected  by  him  from  the  ranks  of  the 
musical  club,  was  placed  in  front  of  the  square.  He 
was  very  proud  and  happy  as  he  nourished  his  baton 
and  gave  the  signal  for  the  procession  to  move  for 
ward.  In  this  order  they  marched  gaily  along  the 
broad,  tree  lined  avenue  which  led  from  the  railroad 
station  to  the  village  square.  The  chariot  came  to  a 
halt  just  in  front  of  the  hall  of  education  and  amuse 
ment,  with  the  seat  of  honor  facing  eastward,  toward 
the  center  of  the  public  square.  The  procession 
quickly  reformed  into  three  sides  of  a  square,  with 
the  eight  ranks  facing  inward. 

For  a  brief  period  silence  reigned.  Then  at  a  sig 
nal  from  Gertrude  Gerrish,  as  Fillmore  Flagg  arose 
with  uncovered  head  and  stood  by  her  side,  the 
cheers  and  greetings  of  welcome  were  repeated  by 
the  ranks  with  redoubled  animation  and  intensity. 

At  this  juncture,  George  Gerrish  came  forward  to 
the  front  of  the  raised  platform,  while  Gertrude, 
turning  to  Fillmore,  said  ;  "The  president  of  the  So 
laris  Farm  Company  has  been  chosen  by  its  people 
to  present  to  you  a  gift  which  they  have  selected,  as 
a  tribute  of  their  affection  and  also  of  their  devotion 
to  you  and  to  Solaris  Farm." 

"My  esteemed  friend  and  co-worker,  Fillmore 
Flagg,"  said  George  Gerrish:  "As  the  mouth  piece 
of  our  people,  I  am  happy  to  be  permitted  to  join 
in  the  active  work  of  this  reception.  The  people  of 
Solaris  Farm,  moved  by  one  impulse,  inspired  by 
sentiments  of  sincere  friendship  and  enthusiastic 
loyalty,  desire  to  present  for  your  acceptance,  this 
Solaris  album,  as  a  testimonial  of  their  loving  admi 
ration  ;  as  a  token  of  their  absolute  confidence  in  the 
wisdom  of  your  leadership.  This  album  contains 
photographs  of  all  the  members  of  the  company. 


154  SOLARIS  FARM. 

Each  picture  is  endorsed  with  the  signature  and  with 
the  place  and  date  of  birth  of  the  individual.  They 
are  arranged  and  indexed  in  alphabetical  order.  Our 
people  were  guided  to  a  choice  of  this  gift  because 
they  were  so  profoundly  impressed  with  the  impor 
tance  of  the  experiment  represented  by  this  farm. 
Because  they  felt  so  confident  that  its  assured  suc 
cess  would  sound  the  key-note  of  a  general  move 
ment  for  the  emancipation  and  elevation  of  humanity 
by  the  gradual  introduction  of  wiser  and  better  so 
cial  and  industrial  methods,  which  would  eventually 
result  in  the  banishment  of  poverty  and  crime. 

' '  Taking  this  view  of  the  future,  we  may  be  par 
doned  for  prophesying  that  fifty  years  hence,  this 
album  of  the  pioneers  of  the  movement,  will  possess 
a  greatly  enhanced  historical  value.  We  trust,  there 
fore,  that  this  possibility  may  make  our  gift  more 
acceptable.  I  now  ask  you  to  receive  it  in  the  spirit 
of  love  which  inspired  its  donation.  In  conclusion 
allow  me  to  assure  you  that  under  all  circumstances, 
you  can  count  on  the  life-long  friendship  and  loyalty 
of  the  people  whose  pictures  will  greet  you,  as  the 
years  come  and  go,  whenever  you  may  feel  inclined 
to  look  through  the  picture  laden  pages  of  Solaris 
Album." 

As  George  Gerrish  concluded  his  speech,  a  swell 
ing  storm  of  cheers  for  Fillmore  Flagg  burst  from 
the  ranks  of  the  square.  Again  and  again  came  the 
repeated  roar  of  cheers,  accompanied  by  the  roll  of 
the  drums,  and  a  circling  cloud  of  waving  handker 
chiefs,  hats  and  flags.  Fillmore  Flagg,  inspired  by 
the  enthusiasm  and  excitement  of  his  cherished  peo 
ple,  looked  very  handsome  and  heroic  as  he  stood 
with  his  manly  figure  erect,  his  noble  head  thrown 
back,  his  eyes  shining  with  emotion,  the  album  held 


SOLARIS  FARM.  155 

firmly  in  his  right  hand.  Bowing  and  smiling,  he 
turned  gracefully  to  face  the  greetings  from  the 
ranks  pf  familiar  faces,  which  were  swaying  with 
joy  and  shouting  so  wildly.  Waiting  for  a  few  mo 
ments,  he  then  raised  his  left  hand,  with  the  open 
palm  outward,  as  a  signal  for  silence.  The  tumult 
was  stilled  as  if  by  magic. 

"People  of  Solaris!"  he  said;  his  clear,  strong 
voice  vibrating  with  emotion :  "To  you,  through 
your  worthy  president  and  your  able  committee, 
with  a  grateful  heart,  I  return  my  thanks  for  this 
most  unexpected  and  charming  reception;  for  this 
beautiful  and  appropriate  gift,  which  I  prize  much 
more  than  words  can  tell.  Believe  me  when  I  say 
that  I  most  thoroughly  appreciate  the  noble  senti 
ments  which  inspired  its  selection.  I  am  delighted 
with  the  happy  significance  of  this  demonstration,  as 
a  prophecy  of  the  complete  success  of  this  experi 
mental  farm.  This  exhibition  of  your  loyalty  to  me 
and  to  Solaris  Farm,  fills  my  heart  with  emotions  of 
grateful  joy.  You  have  made  me  very  proud  and 
very  happy !  I  shall  never  forget  the  encourage 
ment  of  your  enthusiastic  support,  which  has  given 
me  renewed  vigor  and  strength  to  carry  forward  the 
work.  I  now  pledge  to  you  my  sacred  word  of  honor 
that  the  golden  memories  of  this  glorious  occasion, 
and  the  possession  of  this  precious  album,  shall 
henceforth  inspire  me  to  still  greater  efforts  for  the 
success  of  our  cherished  enterprise,  which  means  so 
much  for  us,  so  much  more  for  humanity. 

' '  I  am  willing  to  acknowledge  without  a  moment's 
hesitation,  that  your  surprise  for  me  was  skillfully 
planned ;  that  its  execution  was  charmingly  success 
ful  !  I  wish  to  return  the  compliment.  I  have  a  sur 
prise  in  store  for  you  !  The  present  moment  is  pro- 


156  SOLARIS  FARM. 

pitious ;  I  will  disclose  it !  I  am  the  bearer  of  a  gift 
for  you — a  gift  wisely  chosen,  which  is  in  every  way 
worthy  of  your  admiration  and  appreciation.  A  gift 
of  such  exceeding  value,  that  I  cannot  speak  of  it 
without  becoming  eloquent.  Gold  and  silver  cannot 
measure  its  worth  to  you  !  Securely  packed  in  strong 
cases,  which  are  now  lodged  in  our  express  office,  is 
a  rare  collection  of  books.  This  collection  contains 
ten  complete  sets  of  the  best  text  books  for  each  one 
of  the  classified  sciences,  together  with  the  vocabu 
laries,  dictionaries,  charts  and  drawings  belonging 
thereto.  Accompanying  each  set  is  a  miscellaneous 
collection  of  the  best  works  written  descriptively  on 
that  particular  science.  These  books  are  intensely 
interesting  and  very  valuable,  although  they  are  not 
classed  as  text  books.  Altogether  the  five  hundred 
volumes  form  the  finest  and  most  comprehensive  col 
lection  of  scientific  works  I  have  ever  seen.  They 
are  the  most  useful  and'  expensive  books  published 
that  can  be  found  in  the  whole  range  of  scientific 
literature.  They  contain  the  knowledge  we  most 
need  in  our  enterprise,  to  enable  us  as  an  associated 
body  of  people  to  do  better,  wiser  and  more  effective 
co-operative  thinking  and  working. 

"To  meet  and  satisfy  our  needs  in  this  direction, 
these  books  were  chosen  as  a  gift  to  our  library,  by 
Miss  Fern  Fenwick,  the  beautiful  and  generous 
patroness  of  Solaris  Farm.  She  desires  me  to  em 
phasize  her  wish  that  you  abstain  from  any  public 
expression  of  thanks.  In  lieu  thereof,  she  prefers 
to  accept  the  measure  of  your  diligence  and  enthu 
siasm  in  acquiring  the  stores  of  knowledge  thus  of 
fered,  as  the  most  appropriate  and  satisfactory  meas 
ure  of  your  gratitude  to  her  for  the  gift. 

"To  master  the  contents  of  these  books,  is  to  mas- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  157 

ter  the  sum  of  human  knowledge  in  the  various  de 
partments  of  science.  With  this  mastery  there  will 
come  to  us  the  largest  understanding,  and  the  clear 
est  obtainable  conception  of  our  relations  toward 
each  other,  and  to  the  universe  around  us.  Thus 
enlightened,  we  may  discover  that  ignorance  is  a  sin ; 
that  as  responsible  entities  in  the  great  pulsing  sea 
of  cosmic  life,  with  more  or  less  power  to  help  or 
hinder  the  purpose  and  perfect  unfoldment  of  all  life 
— we  cannot  afford  to  be  selfish,  sinful  or  cruel  in  our 
actions  toward  each  other,  or  toward  any  other  form 
of  cosmic  life.  Having  once  acquired  these  convic 
tions,  with  this  most  important  fund  of  information, 
we  possess  the  key  which  will  unlock  the  mystery  of 
the  action  and  reaction  of  the  potent  and  unseen 
forces  of  nature,  which  affect  us  as  individuals,  as 
they  do  the  earth,  air  and  water,  the  elements  so 
necessary  to  our  existence.  The  restless,  never- sat 
isfied,  questioning  spirit,  born  with  every  human 
soul,  is  the  expression  of  a  divine  purpose  !  To  grat 
ify  this  insatiable  desire  for  more  knowledge,  is  to 
comply  with  the  demands  of  a  wise  cosmic  law.  By 
so  doing,  we  enter  into  the  enjoyment  of  a  never- fail 
ing  source  of  perpetual  delight.  We  are  crowned 
with  a  happiness  of  the  purest  type  ! 

"In  viewing  this  vast  field  of  knowledge,  spread 
so  invitingly  before  us ;  in  anticipating  the  joy  we 
may  glean  therefrom ;  we  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  ex 
ceeding  richness  of  the  boon  of  immortality,  which, 
as  a  spiritual  heritage,  is  waiting  lor  us.  We  begin 
slowly  to  understand  ourselves  as  the  repositories  of 
infinite  possibilities ! — as  cosmic  units  of  the  larger 
Cosmos — as  a  perfect  microcosm  of  the  macrocosm  ! 
With  feelings  of  awe-inspiring  adoration,  we  reflect 
that  we  may  know  ourselves  as  individuals,  only  as 


158  SOLARIS  FARM. 

the  extent  of  our  knowledge  of  the  universe  around 
us  is  increased.  Responding  to  the  law  of  action  and 
reaction,  the  more  we  reflect,  the  greater  becomes  our 
desire  to  know  more  of  ourselves.  Always  more ! 
Ever  more  !  Never  quite  satisfied  !  Fortunately,  the 
immortality  of  the  wisdom  loving  human  soul  embra 
ces  all  time,  and  all  eternity !  Therefore,  through 
the  law  of  eternal  progression,  we  may  naturally  and 
rightfully  aspire  to  the  acquirement  of  all  possible 
knowledge.  In  cultivating  these  aspirations,  we  may 
rest  assured  that  we  shall  constantly  gain  new  con 
ceptions  and  new  meanings  for  the  word  *  Heaven. ' 

"In  conclusion,  my  friends  and  co-workers,  my 
brothers  and  sisters,  let  us  congratulate  ourselves 
as  the  fortunate  recipients  of  this  priceless  gift :  let 
us  endeavor  to  show  our  appreciation  by  a  speedy 
mastery  of  the  contents  of  these  valuable  books. 
Let  us  approach  the  work,  full  of  joyful  anticipation 
and  enthusiasm,  with  the  proud  consciousness  that 
we  are  invited  guests  to  a  great  feast  of  learning. 
Let  us  strive  in  every  way  to  make  study  thoroughly 
enjoyable.  Let  us  make  it  one  long  holiday  in  honor 
of  the  Goddess  of  Wisdom !  One  grand  harvest- 
home  of  our  gathering  of  the  golden  fruit  from  the 
tree  of  knowledge.  Let  us  be  as  earnest  as  we  are 
enthusiastic — let  us  be  thorough,  and  withal  method 
ical  and  systematic. 

"The  ten  sets  of  text- books,  suggest  the  formation 
of  the  membership  of  the  company  into  that  number 
of  scientific  clubs  ;  which  I  recommend.  This  divis 
ion  would  give  fifty  adults  as  the  average  member 
ship  of  each  club.  We  have  at  least  ten  available 
rooms  large  enough  to  accommodate  clubs  of  that 
size.  Each  club  should  begin  with  the  primary  text 
book  which  should  be  read,  discussed,  analyzed  and 


SOLARIS  FARM.  159 

re-read  until  clearly  understood  by  the  entire  class. 
The  club  to  proceed  in  the  same  order  with  the  next 
of  the  series,  until  all  are  thoroughly  mastered.  I 
will  volunteer  to  join  the  club  to  which  is  assigned 
that  scientific  study  which  may  prove  the  most  diffi 
cult,  least  inviting  and  most  unpopular.  By  the  force 
of  a  united  purpose,  working  co-operatively  together, 
we  shall  soon  develop  a  capacity  for  severe  mental 
labor,  which  will  make  the  mastery  of  the  remainder 
of  the  course  a  constant  source  of  pleasure.  What 
we  need  in  the  way  of  equipment,  chemicals,  instru 
ments,  etc. ,  can  be  easily  and  quickly  secured. 

/'George  and  Gertrude  Gerrish  will  have  an  advi 
sory  superintendence  over  the  work  of  all  the  clubs. 
Years  of  experience  in  teaching  have  prepared  them 
to  quickly  untangle  the  mixed  quantities  or  condi 
tions  that  may  confront  us,  and  thus  skillfully  turn 
our  difficulties  into  delights. 

' '  With  this  general  plan  for  conducting  our  literary 
festival,  I  will  leave  the  subject  with  you  for  consid 
eration  at  the  proper  time. 

"I  feel  conscious  that  under  the  circumstances,  I 
owe  you  an  apology  for  having  so  trespassed  upon 
your  patience  and  good  nature,  by  the  length  of  my 
remarks.  Therefore  I  desire  to  „  acknowledge  my 
thrice  doubled  appreciation  of  your  manifest  inter 
est,  attention  and  sympathy,  which  have  both  nat 
tered  and  encouraged  me  greatly. 

' '  I  will  now  close  by  thanking  you,  through  your 
worthy  officers,  for  this  cordial  and  beautiful  recep 
tion  ;  also  for  the  opportunity  to  address  you  on  a 
subject  in  which  I  am  so  deeply  interested." 


160  SOLARIS  FARM. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

FORMATION   OF   POPULAR   SCIENCE   CLUBS. 

As  THE  days  passed  after  the  reception,  the  new 
books  were  unpacked  by  Fillmore  Flagg,  assisted  by 
George  Gerrish.  As  soon  as  possible  they  were  ar 
ranged  and  placed  on  appropriate  shelves  in  each 
one  of  the  ten  rooms  prepared  for  them.  Large  steel 
engravings  in  plain  oak  frames,  of  all  the  authors, 
together  with  the  maps  and  charts,  all  neatly  glazed 
and  mounted,  adorned  the  walls  of  the  particular 
room  to  which  they  belonged,  adding  greatly  to  the 
attractiveness  of  the  general  collection.  As  the 
work  progressed,  the  keen  interest  displayed  by  all 
members  of  the  farm  company  seemed  to  increase. 
They  could  talk  of  nothing  else ;  they  were  eagerly 
and  almost  impatiently  waiting  for  the  announcement 
of  the  formation  of  the  clubs.  Accordingly  there 
fore,  as  soon  as  the  rooms  were  ready,  a  complete 
schedule  of  the  books  in  each  series  was  made ;  these 
schedules  being  numbered  from  one  to  ten,  to  indi 
cate  the  series  to  which  they  belonged.  They  were 
printed  and  distributed  among  the  members  of  the 
company,  with  a  request  that  one  week  later,  each 
member  should  return  two  of  the  numbered  schedules 
marked  as  first  and  second  choice  of  the  studies  they 
desired  to  take  up.  By  this  method  of  voluntary, 
selection,  the  clubs  were  quickly  and  easily  formed, 
without  friction  or  embarassment.  Well  stimulated 
by  an  ever  increasing  fund  of  interest  and  enthusias 
tic  ambition,  the  club  members,  impressed  with  the 
wisdom  of  Fillmore  Flagg's  advice,  promptly  took 
up  the  class  work  of  the  study  chosen,  eager  to  se- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  161 

cure  a  generous  share  of  the  educational  benefits  to 
be  dispensed  at  the  board  of  this  great  literary  feast, 
to  which  they  had  been  so  kindly  invited  as  especially 
selected  guests.  With  some  misgivings  as  to  the  final 
result,  Fillmore  Flagg  carefully  watched  the  prelimi 
nary  club  work  while  yet  in  its  organic  stage.  He 
had  been  somewhat  doubtful  of  the  ability  of  the  av 
erage  club  member,  who  was  not  a  trained  student, 
to  acquire  a  sufficient  interest  in  such  abstract  sub 
jects,  with  which  to  develop  the  mental  force  so  nec 
essary  in  order  to  digest  and  finally  master  them. 
However,  much  to  his  surprise  and  delight,  at  the 
very  threshold  of  the  work,  the  display  of  energy, 
ability  and  mental  acuteness  on  the  part  of  the  entire 
club  membership,  dispelled  the  last  remaining  doubt 
from  his  mind ;  he  was  convinced  of  the  practicability 
and  final  success  of  the  course. 

In  carefully  analyzing  the  subject,  he  perceived 
that  they  were  quickened  by  the  momentum  of  a  uni 
ted  co-operative  effort ;  also  that  they  .were — perhaps 
subconsciously — pushed  forward  by  a  great  number 
of  new  ideas  concerning  the  desirability  of  at  once 
acquiring  a  larger  store  of  scientific  lore,  as  a  neces 
sary  and  more  complete  equipment  for  the  practical 
duties  of  the  battle  of  life.  Dominant  aiftl  central 
among  these  ideas,  was  the  one  which  so  temptingly 
promised  an  increased  knowledge  of  themselves  as 
individuals,  by  the  mastery  of  the  broad  and  hitherto 
unexplored  field  of  explanatory  science  ;  which  might 
lead  to  a  better  solution  of  the  mystery  of  environ 
mental  conditions.  Finally,  they  were  no  doubt  in 
spired  strongly  by  a  firm  conviction  that,  once  armed 
with  a  thorough  scientific  education,  they  would  pos 
sess  an  additional  power  to  aid  in  making  Solaris 
Farm  a  speedier  and  more  pronounced  success. 


162  SOLARIS  FARM. 

Fillmore  Flagg  accepted  this  demonstration  of  the 
combined  ability  of  the  farm  people  to  conquer  the 
most  difficult  problems  of  science,  without  the  ad 
vantage  of  previous  training,  as  an  added  proof 
that  the  ideas  and  methods  of  the  model  farm  were 
most  assuredly  in  conjunctive  harmony  with  plane 
tary  evolution;  therefore  with  the  great  force  of 
combined  co-operative  mental  effort  to  push  it  for 
ward,  still  more  surprising  results  might  reasonably 
be  expected,  when  these  efforts  were  more  wisely 
and  skillfully  directed  along  lines  indicated  by  nature 
as  lines  of  the  least  possible  resistance.  A  realiza 
tion  of  these  expectations  would  seem  to  suggest 
that  the  key  to  future  success  in  all  educational  work 
lies  in  discovering  systems,  methods,  associations 
and  surroundings  for  the  students,  which  are  nearest 
in  conjunctive  harmony  with  natural  evolution,  con 
sequently  along  a  pathway  presenting  the  fewest 
possible  obstacles. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

A   TWENTIETH   CENTURY   LOVE   LETTER. 

"  ALL  THE  world  loves  a  lover  ! "  is  a  trite  but  beau 
tiful  saying,  which  touches  a  responsive  chord  in  the 
great  heart  of  humanity !  We  cannot  remain  indif 
ferent  to  the  magnetic  effect  of  the  strong  tide  of  his 
eloquent  and  impetuous  wooing.  Nor  can  we  with 
hold  a  sympathetic  desire  to  aid  him  in  reaching  the 
goal  of  success — to  win  the  precious  prize.  Quite 
as  naturally,  we  are  intensely  and  delightfully  inter 
ested  in  the  birth,  the  unfoldment,  and  the  bios- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  163 

soming  of  every  individual  entity  in  the  great  ocean 
of  cosmic  life.  Instinctively  we  recognize  that  love 
is  life.  One  could  not  exist  without  the  other.  Old 
and  young  alike  understand  the  potency  of  the  spell 
which  binds  the  lover ;  which  holds  him  for  uncon 
scious  periods  of  time,  absorbed  in  dreamy  contem 
plation  of  his  ecstatic  devotion  to  the  heroic  virtues, 
graces,  accomplishments  and  attributes  of  the  charm 
ing  woman,  whom  his  heart  has  chosen  to  represent 
all  things  in  the  universe  which  have  meaning  and 
worth  for  him.  Through  this  adorable  woman,  the 
crowned  and  glorified  object  of  his  all-absorbing 
love,  he  can  best  respond  to  the  rythmic  throbbing 
of  all  cosmic  life.  In  this  superior  state  of  beauti 
ful  transfiguration,  he  forgets  self,  and  lives  for 
long  happy  months  in  the  rare  upper  strata  of  real 
unselfishness.  Under  the  powerful  influence  of  pure 
love,  the  highest  and  holiest  emotion  which  stirs, 
controls  and  makes  better  the  life  of  every  mortal ; 
lost  in  the  blissful  alembic  of  this  great  chemical 
change,  the  lover  recognizes  himself  in  every  dem 
onstration  of  universal  life  around  him.  He  also  be 
comes  aware,  from  some  inner  consciousness,  of  the 
extent  to  which  the  emotional  nature  controls  and 
molds  the  individual ;  that  among  the  anabolic  emo 
tions,  love  is  the  queen  of  the  emotional  empire;  that 
the  touch  of  her  magical  scepter  is  so  potent  and 
penetrating  as  to  render  the  individual  receptive  and 
responsive  to  all  of  the  ennobling,  purifying,  progres 
sive  and  exalting  elements  of  the  universe :  but,  on 
the  other  hand,  what  is  still  more  marvelous :  that 
the  same  touch  renders  the  individual  negative  to 
the  inflowing  currents  from  all  of  the  baser  elements. 
With  this  awareness  comes  the  conviction  that  the 
Empire  of  Love  is  boundless  and  limitless ;  that  i* 


164  SOLARIS  FARM. 

permeates  and  glorifies  the  vast  ocean  of  infinity ! 
On  the  strong,  swift  tide  of  this  shoreless  ocean,  the 
lover  floats,  secure,  serene  and  confident,  on  his  voy 
age  toward  destiny's  most  distant  port. 

The  following  letter  from  Fillmore  Flagg  to  Fern 
Fenwick,  will  serve  in  some  measure  to  illustrate  the 
power  of  love  to  change,  expand,  energize  and  spir 
itualize  the  entire  character  of  the  lover :  to  purify 
and  strengthen  the  moral  disposition  of  our  hero,  to 
eliminate  from  it  all  tendency  to  selfishness ;  to  en 
dow  him  with  a  broader  wisdom,  with  higher  and  no 
bler  aspirations  of  life ;  to  fit  him  more  perfectly  to 
carry  forward  his  great  work  for  humanity  at  So 
laris  Farm. 

#  #  -X-  #  #  #-.**.»<* 

' '  My  Darling  Fern  :  Noblest,  purest  and  most 
beautiful  of  women  !  Like  the  rose  to  the  sunlight, 
like  the  needle  to  the  pole,  my  heart  turns  in  adora 
tion  to  you.  My  own  true  love  !  My  peerless  one  ! 
My  guiding  star  in  love's  azure  sky  !  My  soul  swells 
and  sings  with  its  full  tide  of  joy,  as  willing  fingers 
attempt  to  put  in  words  the  thoughts  born  of  my 
great  love  for  you.  What  miracle  have  you  wrought 
for  me,  my  precious  one,  that  I  am  so  happy  ?  The 
earth,  the  sky,  the  verdant  woods,  the  grand  moun 
tains,  the  green  meadows,  the  shady  nooks,  the  bab 
bling  brooks ; — all  thrill  my  innermost  being  with  a 
thousand  new  charms !  The  bees,  the  birds,  the 
flowers  and  trees  as  they  bend  or  sigh  to  the  passing 
breeze;  the  solemn  stillness  of  majestic  night;  the 
deep  blue  sea,  overarched  by  nature's  matchless 
crown  of  diamonds,  a  countless  multitude  of  brilliant 
stars,  in  the  silvery  moonlight  of  love — how  eloquent 
their  song  !  All  things  in  nature  speak  to  me  ;  they 
bless  you  for  loving  me  !  In  the  halo  of  that  bless- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  165 

mg,  as  I  think  of  you,  I  am  transfigured  by  a  newly- 
born  ecstacy  !  To  breathe,  to  exist,  is  to  realize  the 
superlative  degree  of  my  exquisite  happiness  !  Hid 
den  away  from  the  clouds  and  storms  of  life,  by  the 
golden  mist  which  veils  the  measureless  sea  of  love, 
infinite  love,  I  sail  serene  and  confident  upon  its 
heaving  tide.  Gently  rocked  by  the  lapping  lullaby 
of  the  rythmical  waves  of  paradise,  I  fearlessly 
float.  I  care  not  for  time  nor  tide,  nor  distant  port 
of  a  future  destiny !  Entranced  by  the  music  of 
love's  beautiful  sea,  I  dream  love's  dream  alone  with 
myself,  the  outer  world  shut  away — swallowed  up  by 
the  overwhelming  tide  of  my  sweet  and  blissful  con 
tentment. 

"From  such  hours  of  exaltation,  I  am  sometimes 
rudely  awakened  by  a  monster  reflex  wave  of  self- 
examination.  Ah,  dear  heart !  It  is  then  that  I  ask 
of  my  soul :  What  am  I  ?  What  have  I  done  ?  What 
sweet  guardian  spirit  guides  my  life,  that  I  should 
be  made  so  exceedingly  happy  by  the  priceless  love 
of  such  a  beautiful  woman  ?  Am  I  worthy  of  such 
a  blessing?  Can  I  properly  appreciate  the  great 
good  fortune  of  being  fondly  and  truly  loved  by 
such  a  peerless  woman,  who  is  so  dear  to  me,  so  no 
ble,  so  good,  so  true;  so  pure,  so  bright,  so  beauti 
ful  ;  so  truly  wise,  so  eloquent ;  in  every  way  so  well 
fitted  by  birth,  wealth,  and  education  to  reign  as 
queen  in  the  most  brilliant  and  most  exclusive  circles 
ef  the  social  world ;  even  in  the  grandly  beautiful 
city  of  Washington,  where  the  princes  and  poten 
tates  of  the  earth,  lords  of  other  lands,  of  wealth 
and  fashion  of  high  degree,  vie  with  each  other  and 
with  the  republic's  most  honored  statesmen,  for  one 
smile,  one  look  of  recognition  from  this  marvelous 
woman,  who  is  everywhere  recognized  as  the  domi- 


166  SOLARIS  FARM. 

nant  center  of  attraction  ?  Oh,  the  wonder  of  it ! 
This  is  she  who  holds  the  key  to  my  heart ! 

"Ah,  my  adored  one!  As  this  picture  of  your  life 
fills  my  mind,  I  wonder  what  would  happen  to  me 
under  such  circumstances,  with  any  other  woman  in 
your  place.  I  know  I  should  be  both  furiously  jeal 
ous  and  foolishly  despondent :  but  with  you,  the  very 
apotheosis  of  truth  and  honesty  ! — Impossible !  It 
could  not  be :  so  base  a  thought  would  perish  with 
the  thinking  !  I  know  you  are  as  true  as  steel.  The 
pure  soul  which  shines  from  your  eyes  has  spoken 
to  mine.  I  am  content ;  I  fear  not ;  I  know  that  the 
compass  of  your  love  is  constancy. 

' '  Oh  !  my  darling  !  Chosen  one  of  my  soul !  How 
great  is  the  mystery  of  love !  How  priceless  the 
blessing  it  brings  to  the  lover !  How  brilliant  the 
constellation,  how  spiritualizing  the  multitude  of 
new  thoughts  to  which  it  gives  birth !  How  I  pity 
those  who  have  not  been  touched  and  quickened  by 
the  life-giving  power  of  love  !  How  sad  and  deso 
late  is  the  pathway  of  the  soul  so  unfortunate  as  to 
be  shut  away  from  the  sunshine  of  love !  Better, 
far  better,  to  die  of  love  !  To  die  of  love  is  to  live 
by  it !  It  is  to  have  discovered  the  great  deeps  of 
the  infinite :  for  love  itself  is  a  revelation  of  the  in 
finite  !  The  aspiration  of  love  is  the  inspiration  of 
paradise.  Who  can  understand  the  significance,  or 
the  great  mystery  of  immortality,  or  the  fulness  of 
the  promise  of  eternal  happiness  to  be  gained  by  a 
life  of  endless  progression,  without  first  having  lived 
a  life  of  love  ?  The  smile  of  love  is  the  rainbow  of 
life  !  Every  tender  emotion  of  love  is  a  prayer,  pure 
and  potent,  for  a  higher  life. 

"The  truth  of  these  things,  my  sweet  heart,  I  re 
alize  more  fully  each  day.  I  feel  and  know  that 


SOLARIS  FARM.  167 

every  link  in  the  chain  of  eternal  existence,  is  a  link 
of  love  !  My  love  for  you  has  been  for  me  a  spirit 
ual  blessing  indeed !  It  has  opened  the  eyes  of  my 
soul,  so  that  I  may  perceive  the  significance  of  the 
miracle  of  love,  which  must  precede  the  miracle  of 
birth,  as  the  necessary  beginning  of  the  unfoldment 
of  the  individual  up  to  his  highest  estate — the  repos 
itory  of  infinite  possibilitiea  Love,  then,  my  dear 
one,  is  the  highest  and  holiest  attribute  of  the  hu 
man  soul :  that  inspiring,  controlling  force,  which 
wings  the  soul  to  such  sublime  spiritual  heights,  as 
are  far  above  and  beyond  the  storms  of  common  pas 
sions,  and  the  evil  influences  of  the  baser  emotions. 
' '  Ah  !  sweetheart  of  mine  !  How  much  do  I  owe  to 
the  uplifting  power  of  love  !  I  question  and  wonder  ! 
When  its  divine  radiance  shines  -upon  me,  through 
the  glory  of  your  beautiful  eyes,  I  am  led  up  the 
steep  acclivities  of  the  mountain  of  wisdom  by  a 
new  pathway.  I  perceive  that  as  the  oracle  of  life, 
love  is  the  potency  which  crowns  woman  with  that 
entrancing  aura  of  soft,  sweet,  melting  force,  which 
for  ages  has  proclaimed  her  the  greatest  and  most 
fascinating  mystery  of  the  universe !  I  also  per 
ceive  that,  responding  to  the  stimulant  of  this  poten 
tial  aura,  I  am  thrilled,  spiritualized,  energized,  en 
couraged  and  more  perfectly  fitted  to  perform  what 
ever  difficult  or  heroic  work  the  needs  of  our  farm 
people  may  demand.  Fortunate  for  me  was  the  day 
when  Fennimore  Fenwick  left  you  heir  to  his  plans 
for  redeeming  the  lives  of  these  people  !  Fortunate 
indeed,  was  the  time  when  I  was  chosen  by  you  to 
discover,  select  and  institute  Solaris  Farm,  with  the 
broad  humanitarian  work  which  its  success  repre 
sents.  Each  memory  of  this  farm ;  of  my  every 
thought,  plan  or  deed  for  its  improvement :  of  its 


168  SOLARIS   FARM. 

people  ;  of  their  lives,  health,  and  happiness  ;  of  their 
sublime  confidence  in  me,  of  the  prompt  obedience 
they  so  cheerfully  render  to  my  slightest  command ; 
of  the  peculiar  pride  expressed  by  the  appreciation 
of  their  importance  as  working  units  of  the  farm,  all 
united,  harmoniously  blended,  in  one  perfected  co 
operative  mass ; — is  a  memory  made  more  delight 
fully  permanent  by  the  wonderful  light  of  your  love! 

"Never  before  have  I  been  so  busy  or  so  blessed! 
Every  emotion  of  pride,  enthusiasm,  ambition,  joy 
or  love,  which  stirs  the  hearts  and  quickens  the 
pulse  of  these  people,  who  are  working  with  me  for 
one  object  so  faithfully,  so  earnestly ;  through  the 
magnetic  halo  of  your  love,  is  reflected  upon  me  with 
redoubled  intensity.  In  the  strong  current  of  this 
electrical  stream  of  power,  I  am  quickened,  strength 
ened  and  prepared  to  do  better  thinking  and  more 
effective  work  for  the  perfect  development  of  the 
farm. 

* '  At  this  point,  dear  Fern,  I  must  mention  an  item 
of  farm  news,  in  which  I  am  sure  you  will  be  greatly 
interested.  We  have  arranged  to  have  our  arbor- 
day  celebration,  or  tree  planting  festival,  on  the  10th 
day  of  the  month  of  March  in  each  year,  as  the  sea 
son,  in  this  climate  most  suitable  for  the  work.  For 
some  months  past,  for  the  purpose  of  exciting  in  the 
rainds  of  our  people  a  keener  interest,  I  have  been 
giving  a  course  of  lectures  on  the  general  subject  of 
forestry.  These  lectures  have  proved  so  attractive, 
that  as  a  result,  they  have  been  exceptionally  well 
attended  by  both  old  and  young.  The  amount  of  in 
terest  displayed  by  my  hearers,  is  a  continual  source 
of  surprise  and  delight  to  me.  Early  in  the  course, 
this  extraordinary  interest  culminated  in  such  a  per 
fect  shower  of  questions  in  regard  to  the  details  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  169 

the  subject,  that  I  was  obliged  to  refer  my  question 
ers  to  the  various  books  written  on  the  subject,  as 
most  completely  and  satisfactorily  answering  the 
multitude  of  their  queries.  As  a  consequence,  the 
botany  club  has  had  a  great  boom.  While  every 
book  in  the  library  on  forestry,  or  the  care  and  cul 
ture  of  plants  and  trees,  including  those  in  a  full  se 
ries  of  annual  reports  from  the  Department  of  Agri 
culture,  is  in  constant  use.  You  would  be  delighted, 
my  dearest,  could  you  note  the  readiness  of  even  the 
children  to  grasp  the  idea,  to  understand  the  immen 
sity  of  the  benefits  which  may  be  conferred  on  future 
generations  by  our  systematically  directed  efforts  in 
tree  planting  here  on  this  farm.  Both  young  and 
old  alike,  are  quick  to  appreciate  the  important  fact 
that  while  we  are  enjoying  a  holiday,  to  which  we 
may  look  forward  each  year  with  increasing  delight; 
we  are  at  the  same  time  furnishing  the  world  with 
an  object  lesson  as  to  the  practicability  and  great 
value  of  the  good  work  which  may  be  accomplished 
by  all  classes  of  agricultural  people,  in  the  general 
observance  of  such  a  festival. 

'  *  The  announcement  of  the  good  news  that  you  are 
to  visit  the  farm  in  time  to  attend  our  first  arbor  day 
celebration,  on  the  tenth  of  next  month,  has  made 
our  people  very  happy.  They  are  simply  wild  with 
delight  at  the  prospect  of  seeing  you  so  soon :  of 
having  an  opportunity  to  thank  you  in  person  for 
the  many  favors  you  have  so  generously  bestowed 
upon  them.  Hitherto  they  have  admired  and  adored 
the  beautiful  and  generous  young  patroness  of  So 
laris  Farm,  through  the  medium  of  a  life-size  crayon 
portrait,  made  some  months  ago,  from  one  of  your 
recent  photographs.  Since  then,  this  lovely  shadow 
of  the  idol  of  my  heart,  adorned  by  a  suitable  frame, 


170  SOLARIS  FARM. 

has  occupied  the  post  of  honor,  as  the  only  picture 
on  the  walls  of  the  library  The  advent  of  such  a 
charming  picture,  at  once  converted  the  library  into 
the  throne  room  of  the  village,  where  gathered  daily, 
admiring  throngs  of  our  people  to  feast  their  eyes  in 
silent  worship  at  the  shrine  of  this  life-like  shadow 
of  your  lovely  face.  In  thus  exposing  this  picture, 
so  dear,  so  sacred  to  me,  to  the  earnest  and  respect 
ful  admiration  of  our  people  without  your  knowledge 
or  consent ;  I  trust,  Dear  Heart,  that  I  may  not  have 
outraged  your  sense  of  propriety  in  the  slightest  de 
gree.  It  occurred  to  me  that  it  would  be  just  and 
right,  also  most  fitting  and  proper  that,  as  the  pat 
roness  of  the  farm,  your  portrait  should  appear  in 
the  place  it  now  occupies ;  that  it  would  be  the  most 
appropriate  method  of  linking  your  individuality,  in 
the  minds  of  our  people,  with  the  peculiar  work  and 
destiny  of  the  farm.  If  you  consider  my  action  from 
this  point  of  view,  I  am  sure  you  will  approve.  Like 
some  good  fairy,  the  silent  charm  of  your  portrait 
has  each  day,  each  hour,  wrought  its  perfect  work 
in  my  life  and  in  the  lives  of  our  people.  It  has 
proved  a  constant  source  of  delight !  An  added  tal 
isman  to  insure  the  final  success  of  our  enterprise ! 

' '  Ah,  my  good  angel !  my  Princess  Charming  !  At 
last  comes  the  crowning  thought  which  completes 
my  wreath  of  happiness !  It  comes  to  me  daily, 
again  and  again  !  It  is  this,  Dear  Heart ;  that  every 
step  toward  the  final  and  complete  success  of  Solaris 
Farm,  is  an  added  link  in  the  chain  of  a  shining  des 
tiny  which  shall  bind  our  lives  more  firmly  together, 
until  at  last  this  beautiful  chain  of  love  shall  have 
become  proof  against  the  dissolving  power  of  the 
passing  ages  of  an  Eternity  ! 

"In  conclusion,  sweetheart,  may  a  bright  band  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  171 

faithful  guardian  spirits,  ever  watchful,  ever  near, 
guide  and  guard  you,  the  crowning  treasure  of  my 
life,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of 

* '  Your  devoted,  loving  and  loyal, 

"FILLMORE  FLAGG." 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE    REPLY. 

"MY  DARLING  FILLMORE  :  Words  fail  to  express 
the  happy  effect  of  the  pleasing  emotions  that  arise 
as  I  muse  and  dream,  build  castles  in  the  air  and  in 
dulge  myrelf,  again  and  again,  in  the  luxury  of  read 
ing  line  by  line,  the  glowing  tributes  of  love  in  your 
marvelous  letter.  I  am  electrified  by  its  wonderful 
logic,  rythm  and  melody.  Ah,  my  chosen  one !  So 
manly ;  so  noble ;  so  true !  The  witchery  of  your 
eloquence  is  a  conquering  force,  that  Cupid  with  his 
bow  might  well  be  proud  of !  My  heart  rejoices 
under  the  influence  of  its  magical  spell !  I  am  so 
happy  and  so  proud  of  you  !  The  great  deeps  of  my 
emotional  nature  have  responded  to  the  poetical  sub 
limity  of  your  charmingly  expressed  sentiments. 
They  thrill  my  soul  like  the  dawn  of  some  glorious 
summer  day ;  like  the  exquisite  perfume  of  a  sweet 
flower ;  like  that  sublimely  sweet  surprise  which 
steals  over  the  senses,  while  a  fleecy  veil  of  silvery 
mist,  responding  to  the  power  of  the  advancing 
king  of  day,  slowly  rises  and  discloses  the  shoreless 
grandeur  of  that  tidal  mystery,  the  majestic,  rest 
less,  billowy  bosom  of  Old  Ocean;  like  some  grand 
symphony  of  masterful  music,  penetrating  and  reso- 


172  SOLARIS  FARM. 

nant,  with  that  mysterious  potency  which  awakens 
every  echo  of  the  soul's  musical  possibilities  !  Yet, 
sweetheart,  every  word  is  charged  with  your  perso 
nal  magnetism ;  is  stamped  with  your  individuality  ; 
freighted  with  the  wealth  of  your  spiritual  and  intel 
lectual  development.  In  every  line,  sentence  and 
paragraph,  I  recognize  you  as  my  ideal  of  a  lover, 
the  dearest  and  most  noble  of  men  ! 

"In  my  retrospective  moods,  the  cloud  of  memo 
ries,  born  of  the  incidents  which  have  marked  our 
past  acquaintence,  form  a  telescopic  vista.  Through 
this  vista,  examined  in  the  crucible  of  much  corres 
pondence,  the  intimate  association  and  the  mutual 
friendship  of  many  months  duration,  I  perceive  that 
I  have  discovered  and  have  learned  to  appreciate  the 
sterling  worth  of  your  character.  Through  this  av 
enue  I  become  conscious  that  you  represent  to  me 
the  superior  nobility  of  true  American  genius ;  the 
highest  and  grandest  type  of  manhood !  Idealized 
as  my  hero,  I  place  you  in  the  front  rank  of  Ameri 
ca's  dominant  thinkers ;  a  peer  among  peers,  both 
potential  and  progressive — yet  withal  so  modest,  so 
free  from  dogmatism. 

"I  seem  to  feel  intuitively  that  you  are  standing 
at  the  very  beginning  of  a  new  cycle  in  the  history 
of  our  planet :  a  cycle  in  which  symmetry  of  mind 
and  power  of  brain,  fix  the  standard  by  which  nature 
selects  the  leaders  she  deems  most  worthy  of  ruling 
the  destinies  of  her  people.  I  feel  that  you  have 
been  measured  by  such  a  standard,  and  chosen  as 
the  instrument  for  the  accomplishment  of  a  special 
work  of  the  utmost  importance  ! 

"This  bit  of  hero-worship  on  my  part  is  due,  no 
doubt,  to  the  intensity  of  my  devotion  to  our  Repub 
lic;  to  the  earnestness  of  my  convictions  in  regard 


SOLARIS  FARM.  173 

to  its  manifest  destiny  as  a  saving  power — an  uplift 
ing  force — among  the  nations  of  the  earth.  These 
growing  convictions  are  emphasized  by  the  keener 
perceptions  of  my  spiritual  nature,  which  declare 
that  this  almost  resistless  force  which  dominates  our 
Republic,  that  may  be  likened  to  the  world's  storage 
battery,  is  due  to  the  progressive  power  gained  by 
the  universal  enlightenment  of  the  American  people 
as  a  mass.  This  important  thought  seems  to  empha 
size  the  wisdom  and  the  importance  of  universal 
education. 

"I  must  now  refer  to  a  matter  mentioned  in  your 
letter,  in  which  I  am  particularly  interested.  In  de 
clining  to  become  jealous  of  the  bevy  of  titled  lords, 
who  pay  fawning  court  to  my  wealth  and  social  posi 
tion,  here  in  Washington,  you  do  yourself  justice; 
while  at  the  same  time,  you  pay  me  the  compliment 
of  a  lifetime  !  When  compared  with  you,  how  puny 
and  feeble  are  the  princes  and  titled  lords,  made  by 
kings  and  courts,  in  lands  where  selfishness  reigns 
supreme  at  the  expense  of  millions  of  unfortunate 
subjects !  An  impecunious  host  of  these  fortune- 
ihunting  lords  swarm  in  the  society  of  our  large  cit 
es.  With  faded  titles  of  doubtful  value,  as  their 
only  stock  in  trade,  they  fittingly  represent  the  de 
caying  nobility  of  passing  monarchies.  They  are 
looking  for  victims  !  They  become  the  highly  hon 
ored  guests  of  selfish,  title  -  crazy,  match  -  making 
mothers !  Oh  the  pity  of  it !  Oh  the  shame  of  it ! 
How  American  girls,  who  are  born  to  wealth,  with 
all  of  the  advantages  which  wealth  may  command, 
including  the  best  education  possible  in  this  land  of 
progressive  liberty ;  who  should  love  devotedly  the 
vital  principles  of  our  democracy ; — can  be  so  daz 
zled  by  the  false  glitter  of  a  title,  that  they  deliber- 


174  SOLARIS   FARM. 

ately  choose  to  mate  themselves  (and  their  riches,) 
with  such  sorry  specimens  of  lordliness ;  such  brain 
less,  nerveless  bundles  of  selfishness,  is  something 
too  monstrous  for  my  comprehension  ! 

' '  Are  these  girls  really  Americans  at  heart  ?  Do 
they  represent  the  women  of  our  land?  Can  they 
understand  or  appreciate  the  privilege  as  a  birth 
right,  of  proudly  taking  an  honored  part  in  the  com 
ing  motherhood  of  this  great  and  progressive  land 
of  republican  liberty ;  a  republic  which  to  day  stands 
as  the  hope  of  the  world  ?  Is  it  possible  that  they 
can  knowingly  wish  to  become  mothers  of  a  feeble 
race  of  puny  children — children  who  are  cruelly  be 
reft  of  moral,  physical  and  intellectual  vigor  by  the 
tainted  heritage  which,  like  some  avenging  nemesis, 
through  the  action  of  an  inexorable  law,  surely  fol 
lows  the  unfortunate  offspring  of  lordling  fathers, 
who  are  born  as  the  very  dregs  from  twenty  genera 
tions  of  the  vice  and  depravity  of  kingly  courts  ? 

4 'My  dear  Fillmore,  to  these  interrogatories  I  an 
swer,  No  !  A  thousand  times  No  !  Ignorance  !  A 
shameful  ignorance  of  the  true  object  and  purpose 
of  human  life,  on  the  part  of  these  misguided  girls, 
is  their  only  sin.  They  are  well-nigh  hopelessly  ig 
norant  of  the  significance,  or  even  the  existence,  of 
the  great  basic  truths  of  evolutionary  life.  They 
know  not  that  each  age  in  the  series  of  evolution 
grows  out  of  the  preceding  one ;  that  each  in  its  or 
der  is  the  parent  of  the  next ;  that  the  same  is  true 
of  each  generation  of  people.  In  the  midnight  dark 
ness  of  their  ignorance,  they  are  incapable  of  know 
ing  that  virtue  inherently  possesses  the  germ  of  per 
petuity.  They  can  neither  understand  nor  heed  the 
warning  cry  of  history,  which  proves  that  crime  and 
depravity  have  in  themselves  the  seeds  of  natural 


SOLARIS  FARM.  175 

death.  They  have  never  read  history's  tragic  story 
of  the  total  extinction  of  the  royal  houses  of  Capet, 
Valois,  Tudor,  Stuart  and  Bourbon ; — a  story  which 
demonstrates  so  conclusively  the  avenging  results 
that  follow  the  crimes  of  royal  fathers. 

"To  redeem  these  girls  from  such  dense  ignor 
ance  ;  to  rescue  them  from  the  thralldom  of  such  a 
fashionable  sin,  which  threatens  to  become  a  fad ;  to 
open  their  eyes  to  the  horrible  consequences  which 
follow  such  mesalliances,  is  a  work  so  important  as 
to  demand  the  immediate  attention  and  united  effort 
of  a  host  of  America's  patriot  mothers. 

"Pardon  me,  dear  Fillmore,  for  devoting  so  much 
space  in  my  letter  to  this  particular  topic.  I  feel 
sure  you  will  kindly  excuse  any  excess  of  fervor 
which  may  have  marked  the  expression  of  my  indig 
nation.  Because  you  so  well  understand  the  inten 
sity  of  my  devotion  to  the  broadly  progressive  prin 
ciples  of  our  matchless  republic,  you  may,  conse 
quently,  guess  the  full  measure  of  my  scorn  for  this 
foolish,  title-hunting  class  of  creatures  who,  like  silly 
moths,  blindly  sacrifice  themselves  in  folly's  funereal 
flame.  The  bare  idea  of  marriage  to  gain  a  foreign 
title  has  always  been  exceedingly  repugnant  to  me. 
With  passing  years,  I  am  each  day  more  thankful 
that  since  my  early  childhood  there  has  been  buried 
deep  in  my  heart,  a  determination  that  when  the  time 
came  for  me  to  select  a  husband,  the  only  title  of  the 
one  chosen  should  be  the  stamp  of  honor  which 
marked  him  as  a  true  type  of  an  American  citizen — 
a  real  American  genius  ;  a  truly  noble  soul,  perfectly 
and  beautifully  expressed  by  a  harmonious  combina 
tion  of  physical  and  intellectual  development ! 

' '  Fortunate  the  day  for  me  when  that  lucky  adver 
tisement  brought  you  to  my  side,  as  a  trusty,  capable 


176  SOLARIS  FARM. 

co-worker,  whom  I  have  learned  to  respect,  to  admire 
and  to  love.  My  dreams  have  been  realized.  I  have 
found  my  ideal.  You  may  fearlessly  trust  in  the  ab 
solute  truth  of  your  assertion  that  '  the  compass  of 
my  love  is  constancy  ! ' 

"Now  my  hero  !  My  ideal  of  a  gallant  Knight  of 
Most  Excellent  Agriculture,  whose  nodding  plumes, 
of  tassels  of  corn,  artistically  interwoven  with  splen 
did  pompons  of  waving  wheat,  barley,  oats  and  rye 
have  so  dazzled  my  eyes  and  charmed  my  heart ;  hav 
ing  chanted  my  song  of  love,  I  hasten  to  assure  you 
that  your  last  report  concerning  the  administration 
of  the  affairs  of  the  farm,  has  pleased  me  greatly. 
I  think  the  progress  achieved  in  so  short  a  time,  is 
truly  marvelous  !  Only  my  Fillmore  could  have  ac 
complished  so  much !  I  am  full  of  curiosity  about 
the  details.  When  I  come,  you  must  be  prepared  to 
answer  a  host  of  questions ;  to  go  with  me  on  many 
excursions  of  discovery  before  I  shall  have  com 
pleted  my  tour  of  agricultural  investigation. 

"I  approve  of  the  disposition  you  have  made  of 
my  portrait.  Of  course  my  personal  pride  is  grati 
fied  by  the  sincere  admiration  and  praise  it  has  exci 
ted.  I  am  happy  in  the  knowledge  that  it  has  proved 
so  efficacious  as  a  talisman  of  good  fortune  for  the 
farm.  I  think  I  understand  your  reasons  for  the 
feeling  that  my  individuality  should  be  in  some  way 
directly  interwoven  with  the  destiny  of  the  farm. 

"  Reasoning  from  the  peculiar  environments  which 
so  affect  our  lives,  I  realize  more  fully  each  day  that 
my  personal  interest  in  every  step  toward  its  final 
success,  must  necessarily  be  quite  equal  to  your  own. 

' '  I  am  delighted  with  the  idea  of  being  present  at 
your  first  Arbor  day  celebration.  I  hope  there  is  to 
be  in  the  order  of  exercises  an  oration  which  you  are. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  177 

to  deliver.  If  so,  I  know  you  will  not  disappoint 
me !  I  am  prepared  to  prophesy  that  you  will  do 
yourself  justice,  do  credit  to  Solaris  and  at  the  same 
time  you  will  cover  the  subject  with  a  halo  of  glory. 
Such  a  result  seems  assured  when  I  consider  the  ex 
traordinary  interest  which  was  aroused  by  your  lec 
tures  on  forestry.  This  signal  conquest  of  your  elo 
quence  has  gratified  my  pride  very  much.  I  am 
strongly  impressed  with  the  vast  importance  of  this 
tree-planting  school,  which  you  are  about  to  insti 
tute  at  Solaris.  The  success  which  you  have  won 
in  the  preliminary  work  is  so  promising,  that  I  am 
sure  you  have  undertaken  a  task  which  is  worthy  of 
your  genius.  In  my  judgment,  you  have  already 
demonstrated  your  ability  to  accomplish  many  won 
derful  things.  Great  opportunities  are  before  you. 
By  the  force  of  your  logic,  by  the  earnestness  of 
your  eloquence,  you  will  be  able  to  instill  and  to 
permanently  fix  in  the  minds  of  our  people — both  pa 
rents  and  children — the  true  progressive  principles 
of  American  citizenship.  You  will  thus  enable  them 
to  perceive  the  serious  import  of  the  responsibilities 
which,  like  a  mantle  of  power,  descends  upon  them, 
as  the  representative  working  units  of  this  great  re 
public.  You  can  so  inspire  them  that  they  will  be 
eager  and  proud  to  take  up  with  honor  the  burden  of 
these  responsibilities.  You  can  so  change  and  ele 
vate  the  lives  of  these  people  and  a  multitude  of 
others,  that  first  they  shall  become  masters  of  them 
selves  ;  later,  masters  of  the  republic ;  through  the 
controlling  force,  the  imperial  dominancy  of  scien 
tifically  developed,  symmetrical  minds ;  whose  intel 
lectual,  ethical,  inspirational,  logical  and  construc 
tive  power,  combined  as  an  elevating  agency,  shall 
raise  the  republic  of  the  future  to  still  more  com 


178  SOLARIS  FARM. 

manding  heights.  To  accomplish  these  things,  is 
the  glorious  beginning  of  a  great  career  !  In  visions 
of  your  life  work,  it  comes  to  me  that  this  prepara 
tory  work  on  the  farm  is  but  the  introduction  to  a 
more  important  mission,  in  the  vastly  wider  field  of 
a  near  future.  In  this  coming  work  we  shall  stand 
side  by  side.  Hand  in  hand,  with  hearts  united  by 
the  bonds  of  a  supreme  love,  we  shall  go  forth  armed 
with  the  power  to  overcome  and  to  conquer  the  great 
hosts  of  ignorance  and  selfishness  which  so  hinder 
the  world's  progress. 

''Really,  my  true  love,  although  this  letter  is  so 
long,  I  cannot  close  it  without  again  expressing  my 
appreciation  of  your  soul-satisfying  letter ;  so  laden 
with  the  fragrance,  the  benediction  of  your  love ;  so 
potent  with  the  charm  of  happiness  for  me.  To  its 
benign  influence  my  heart  responds  by  the  awaken 
ing  of  the  highest  and  best  emotions  of  my  spiritual 
nature.  Written  in  clear,  plain  English,  it  appeals 
to  me  as  a  letter  of  such  sterling  intelligence  as  only 
my  ideal  of  a  lover  could  write.  How  different  it  is 
from  the  soft,  sweet  nonsense  of  fashionable  fops ; 
the  effusive  gush  of  poetical  dudes. 

"Now,  I  must  say  to  you  Good  bye,  my  sweetheart; 
Remember  that  waking  or  dreaming,  I  love  you  truly. 
Only  you,  so  dear  to  me — you,  so  generous,  so  noble, 
so  good.  Bright  are  the  links  of  love's  golden  chain 
which  time  cannot  sever.  Constancy,  our  love  shall 
bless,  now  and  forever.  May  the  sweet  guardian 
spirits  who  guide  your  footsteps,  keep  you  safely  un 
til  we  meet  again,  is  the  ever-present  thought  which 
is  inspired  by  love's  whisper  in  the  heart  of  your 
devoted,  FERN  FEN  WICK." 


SOLARIS  FARM.  179 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

FERN   FENWICK    ARRIVES   AT    SOLARIS. 

PERN  FENWICK,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Bainbridge, 
arrived  at  Solaris  on  the  afternoon  of  the  third  day 
previous  to  the  tree-planting  festival.  When  the 
train  reached  the  station,  they  were  met  by  Fillmore 
Flagg  accompanied  by  George  and  Gertrude  Gerrish, 
the  committee  representing  the  farm  company.  With 
this  escort  to  the  village,  they  were  soon  installed  in 
a  handsome  suite  of  rooms,  beautifully  decorated  and 
furnished  for  their  reception. 

After  a  late  luncheon,  Fern  Fenwick  gave  a  private 
interview  to  Fillmore  Flagg.  During  this  interview, 
which  lasted  more  than  two  hours,  matters  both  of 
business  and  of  love  were  discussed  :  love,  however, 
claimed  the  lion's  share  of  the  time.  Very  soon,  by 
mutual  consent,  the  major  part  of  the  business  was 
postponed  until  after  the  tour  of  the  farm,  planned 
for  the  following  day,  had  been  completed.  Then 
with  a  sigh  of  relief,  they  resigned  themselves  to 
the  sway  of  that  potent  charm  of  blending  magnetic 
and  spiritual  auras,  which  so  swiftly  transports  re 
united  lovers  to  a  paradise  of  their  own. 

In  accordance  with  previous  plans,  the  next  day 
was  spent  by  the  visitors  in  driving  about  the  farm. 
The  first  motor  carriage  was  occupied  by  Mrs.  Bain- 
bridge  accompanied  by  George  and  Gertrude  Gerrish, 
Fillmore  Flagg  and  Fern  Fenwick  following  in  ar 
other.      Pursuing  a  carefully  arranged  program,  all 
points  of  interest  were  visited  ;  the  barns  and  stable s 
herds  and  flocks,  the  meadows,  the  cotton  and  grain 
fields,  poultry  yards,  dairy,  apiary,  gardens,  mills, 


180  SOLARIS  FARM. 

store-houses,  packing-houses,  factory  buildings,  the 
brick  works  and  pottery,  the  clay -beds,  stone-quar 
ries,  coal  and  other  mines. 

This  tour  of  inspection,  which  occupied  nearly  the 
whole  day,  proved  very  interesting  to  Fern  Fenwick. 
With  her  note-book  in  hand,  and  her  keen  eyes  on 
the  alert  to  catch  every  salient  point,  she  kept  our 
hero  busy  answering  a  host  of  questions.  It  was  a 
long,  happy  day  for  him  !  To  sit  so  near  her,  to  look 
into  her  smiling  eyes,  to  listen  to  the  musical  tones 
of  her  voice,  to  answer  her  swiftly  spoken  questions, 
to  respond  to  the  pressure  of  her  gloved  hand  upon 
his  arm  as  she  directed  his  attention  to  some  particu 
lar  object ;  all  seemed  to  him  such  a  delicious  bit  of 
experience,  that  he  almost  wished  it  might  go  on 
forever ! 

In  the  evening  the  reception  given  in  honor  of  the 
Patroness  of  the  farm,  was  held  in  the  large  hall  of 
education  and  amusement.  In  this  hall,  which  was 
handsomely  decorated  for  the  event,  the  people  of 
Solaris  were  assembled.  They  were  a  unit  in  eager 
ness  to  give  expression  to  demonstrations  of  delight 
when,  for  the  first  time,  they  were  permitted  to  greet 
the  one  they  wished  to  honor :  a  woman  whose  name 
they  reverenced  as  the  title  of  the  noblest  guest  they 
could  ever  hope  to  entertain.  George  and  Gertrude 
Gerrish,  with  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  were  already  seated 
on  the  stage,  when  Fillmore  Flagg  appeared,  escort 
ing  Fern  Fenwick  from  the  waiting  Yoom.  Moved 
by  one  dominant  impulse,  the  entire  audience  arose 
to  receive  her.  The  repeated  cheers  of  welcome 
were  intensified  by  the  accompaniment  of  a  fleecy 
cloud  of  waving  handkerchiefs. 

Our  heroine  was  well  worthy  the  ovation :  richly 
and  artistically  gowned,  she  was  a  perfect  picture  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  181 

loveliness  !  Her  cheeks  flushed  with  the  excitement 
of  such  an  unexpected  demonstration,  her  beautiful 
eyes  flashing  with  the  inspiration  of  her  wonderful 
enthusiasm,  her  perfect  figure  proudly  erect  with  the 
grace  and  dignity  of  an  all-conquering  magnetic 
presence,  she  captured  the  hearts  of  the  people  even 
before  she  had  opened  her  lovely  lips  to  address  them. 

Warned  by  a  gesture  from  Fillmore,  the  cheering 
ceased  and  the  audience  became  seated.  He  then  in 
troduced  Fern  Fenwick  by  a  neat  little  speech  which 
provoked  another  storm  of  applause  more  demon 
strative  than  the  first. 

When  order  was  again  restored,  at  a  signal  from 
George  Gerrish  the  double  quartet  of  mixed  voices, 
which  had  been  selected  from  the  singers  of  the 
musical  club,  came  forward  and,  in  a  style  which  re 
flected  much  credit  on  the  club,  gave  a  song  of  wel 
come  composed  for  this  particular  reception,  and  en 
titled  ;  "She  comes,  she  comes,  she  comes  to  us ;  our 
wise  and  lovely  patroness."  This  song,  which  crea 
ted  a  real  sensation,  was  followed  by  an  eloquent  ad 
dress  of  welcome  delivered  by  George  Gerrish  in  his 
official  capacity,  as  president  of  the  company.  His 
remarks  were  seconded  and  emphasized  most  vigor 
ously  by  long  continued  demonstrations  of  approval 
from  the  assembled  members. 

In  response,  Fern  Fenwick  replied  at  some  length 
in  her  most  charming  manner.  Turning  to  George 
Gerrish,  she  said : 

"To  you,  the  president,  and  through  you,  to  the 
officers,  members  and  children  of  the  company  here 
assembled,  I  offer  my  sincere  thanks  for  the  honor 
conferred,  and  for  the  pleasure  given  to  me  by  this 
delightful  reception.  The  sentiments  of  kindly 
greeting,  of  keen  appreciation,  of  admiring  approv- 


182  SOLARIS  FARM. 

al,  so  beautifully  expressed  in  your  address  of  wel 
come,  have  touched  me  deeply.  I  am  so  profound 
ly  moved,  that  my  heart  overflows  with  grateful 
emotions  !  Equally  charming,  and  even  more  gra 
cious  to  me  were  the  words  and  music  of  the  song 
which  your  sweet  singers  have  rendered  so  artisti 
cally.  These  testimonials  have  so  wonderfully  im 
pressed  me  that  I  can  not  forget  them  !  As  the 
years  come  and  go,  I  shall  cherish  the  bright  memo 
ries  of  this  eventful  evening,  as  added  jewels  with 
which  to  mark  and  adorn  the  shining  links,  inter 
woven  with  the  chain  of  my  experience  in  life. 
These  memories  shall  also  serve  to  strengthen  my 
already  intense  interest  in  this  most  extraordinary 
farm.  A  farm  with  such  a  wide  range  of  improve 
ments  ;  with  such  an  imposing  collection  of  large 
well  constructed  buildings  ;  with  so  many  profitable 
allied  industries  in  the  full  tide  of  successful  oper 
ation  ;  with  a  general  equipment  so  magnificent,  that 
at  every  turn  I  am  astonished  and  delighted.  I  now 
understand  why  and  how  you  have  succeeded  in 
transforming  the  hated  drudgery  of  farm  labor  into 
such  a  pleasant,  desirable  occupation. 

"Since  the  beginning  of  the  enterprise,  my  interest 
in  the  work  has  been  constantly  stimulated  by  the 
detailed  accounts  contained  in  the  full  weekly  re 
ports  furnished  by  your  general  manager.  These 
reports  from  time  to  time,  I  have  studied  carefully. 
Therefore  I  came  here  expecting  much.  However, 
after  my  tour  of  inspection,  I  hasten  to  assure  you, 
that  I  was  not  all  prepared  to  find  such  an  ideal 
farm,  already  in  successful  operation  !  A  farm  with 
proportions  so  generous,  an  equipment  so  complete, 
and  a  future  so  promising ;  that  when  I  pause  to  con. 
template  the  magical  changes  wrought  upon  it  in  the 


SOLARIS  FARM.  183 

brief  space  of  thirty  months,  I  am  filled  with  admir 
ation  for  its  wonder-working,  epoch-making  people  ! 
I  consider  it  a  coveted  honor  to  be  known  as  the  pat 
roness  of  such  a  grand  institution.  People  of  Sol 
aris,  I  am  happy  to  be  thus  identified  with  you.  I 
am  proud  of  you  and  your  work  !  A  work  which 
shall  yet  cause  millions  to  rejoice  !  You  cannot 
guess;  no  one  can  even  estimate,  the  exceeding  value 
of  this  work  as  a  shining  example  of  what  properly 
organized  labor  can  accomplish.  You  have  suc 
ceeded  far  beyond  my  expectations  !  Do  not  waver 
or  turn  aside  for  one  moment  !  Go  forward  bravely; 
be  strong  and  steadfast ;  be  encouraged  with  the  as 
surance  that  all  times,  I  am  ready  and  willing  to  as 
sist  you  in  every  possible  way  !  Success  with  her 
golden  crown  waits  to  reward  you  !  All  the  world  is 
watching  and  waiting  for  the  victory,  which  you 
have  already  won.  Therefore,  in  the  name  of  hu 
manity,  I  am  justified  here  and  now,  in  thanking 
you  for  this  superb  lesson  in  unselfish  co-operation. 
This  lesson  in  self  evolution,  which  you  have  given 
to  the  world,  is  a  result  on  your  part  as  individuals, 
of  a  wise  exercise  of  mutual  trust  and  confidence  in 
each  other  ;  reinforced  by  the  combined  industry, 
zeal,  persistence  and  skill  displayed  in  your  noble 
efforts.  By  such  efforts  you  have  made  the  name  of 
Solaris  justly  famous  throughout  the  length  and 
breadth  of  this  Republic  ! 

"In  conclusion,  Mr.  Chairman,  and  friends,  allow 
me  to  again  express  my  thanks  for  your  greetings 
of  welcome,  and  for  every  demonstration  of  loving 
appreciation  which  you  have  so  generously  showered 
upon  me." 

While  the  hall  still  rang  with  the  plaudits  of  a  de 
lighted  people;  before  Fern  Fen  wick  could  move 


184  SOLARIS  FARM. 

towards  her  seat,  George  and  Gertrude  Gerrish  and 
Fillmore  Flagg  all  hastened  to  her  side,  to  offer  con 
gratulations  on  the  eloquence  and  excellence  of  her 
impromptu  address.  To  the  observer,  it  was  plainly 
evident  that  the  effect  of  such  a  stirring  speech  on 
the  assembled  co-operators  was  unusually  impres 
sive.  They  seemed  to  be  inspired  with  a  deeper  rev 
erence  and  a  more  perfect  loyalty  of  devotion  for  this 
remarkable  woman,  who  had  so  charmed  them  by 
the  powder  of  her  eloquence.  Swayed  by  the  inten 
sity  of  this  deep  feeling  which  could  not  well  express 
itself  in  noisy  cheering;  they  eagerly  pressed  for 
ward  in  a  quiet  orderly  way  toward  the  stage,  where 
George  Gerrish  was  waiting  to  introduce  them  in 
dividually  to  our  heroine,  the  patroness  of  the  farm. 
Smiling  graciously  as  they  approached  and  were 
presented,  she  took  each  one  by  the  hand  in  such  an 
earnest  cordial  manner,  that  all  feelings  of  shyness 
or  embarassment  were  quickly  banished.  After  the 
exchange  of  a  few  words  of  pleasant  greeting,  they 
quietly  returned  to  their  seats.  As  the  reception 
progressed,  many  of  the  members  improved  the  brief 
moments  in  expressing  their  grateful  appreciation, 
for  the  words  of  praise  which  she  had  so  enthusi 
astically  bestowed  upon  them,  in  a  speech  they  could 
never  forget. 

When  all  were  again  seated,  George  Gerrish  an 
nounced  that  the  program  for  the  evening  would 
close  with  three  short  selections,  to  be  given  by  vol 
unteer  members  from  the  ranks  of  the  musical  and 
dramatic  clubs.  With  this  part  of  the  entertainment 
finished,  before  the  people  could  be  dismissed,  Fern 
Fenwick  arose  to  bid  them  good  night,  and  to  thank 
them  for  such  a  charming  reception,  which  she  pro 
nounced  "simply  delightful ! " 


SOLARIS  FARM.  185 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

THE    FESTIVAL. 

FORTUNATELY  for  the  tree-planters,  the  day  of 
the  celebration  at  Solaris,  proved  exceptionally  fine  ! 
No  one  could  resist  the  exhilarating  tonic  of  such  a 
perfect  day  !  A  day  made  more  glorious  by  a  cloud 
less  expanse  of  blue  sky,  a  flood  of  golden  sunlight, 
and  breezes,  soft  as  the  balmy  breath  of  gentle 
spring  could  make  them  ! 

The  tools  and  the  potted  trees,  each  labeled  with 
the  name  of  the  planter,  were  hauled  in  wagons 
from  the  nursery  to  the  site  of  the  future  forest, 
where  the  ground  had  already  been  prepared  to  re 
ceive  them. 

At  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  band  in  the 
public  square  began  to  play,  as  the  signal  for  the 
people  to  assemble.  At  ten  the  procession  was 
formed,  ready  to  march  to  the  planting  grounds. 
First:  the  band  under  the  leadership  of  Gilbert  Ger- 
rish.  Second:  the  children  in  alternating  fours  of 
boys  and  girls.  Third:  the  adults  in  the  same  order; 
followed  by  the  carriages  with  the  President,  the 
Patroness,  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  Fillmore  Flagg  and 
Gertrude  Gerrish. 

Having  reached  the  grounds,  the  procession  was 
massed  into  a  square  of  close  columns.  The  ranks 
were  divided  into  planting  classes  of  twenty,  with  an 
instructor  for  each  class.  After  the  classification, 
the  double  quartet  of  mixed  voices,  sang  a  hymn  to 
the  forest ;  the  assembly  joining  in  the  chorus.  As 
the  square  broke  up,  the  members  of  each  class, 
carrying  tools  and  plants,  followed  the  teacher  to 


186  SOLARIS   FARM. 

the  particular  planting  grounds  prepared  for  them. 
At  a  given  signal,  three  blasts  from  the  bugle,  the 
work  began,  and  went  merrily  forward,  with  much 
vigor  and  a  vast  deal  of  lively  chatter.  In  just 
twenty  minutes,  the  planting  was  finished  and  the 
square  reformed.  The  children  altogether  as  a  cho 
rus,  then  gave  "An  Ode  to  Growing  Trees,"  which 
they  rendered  -so  sweetly  and  so  effectively,  that 
they  earned  a  great  deal  of  well  deserved  praise. 
The  order  for  the  return  march  was  sounded — the 
procession  quickly  re-formed  and  returned  to  the  vil 
lage  in  the  same  order  in  which  it  came. 

A  twenty -minute  band-concert,  given  in  the  large 
dancing  pavillion  in  the  center  of  the  public  square, 
came  next,  and  closed  the  order  of  exercises  for  the 
forenoon. 

An  intermission  until  one  o'clock  was  declared. 

Promptly  at  one  o'clock  the  people  were  again  as 
sembled  in  the  great  hall  of  education  and  amuse 
ment,  to  hear  the  oration.  The  hall  itself  was  hand 
somely  decorated  for  the  occasion,  with  a  profusion 
of  flags  and  ribbons.  The  roomy  platform  was 
transformed  into  a  garden  of  verdure,  by  a  brilliant 
array  of  ferns,  flowers,  palms,  potted  plants  and 
young  trees.  Seated  near  the  center  of  the  platform 
were  Fern  Fenwick,  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  Gertrude  Ger- 
rish,  Fillmore  Flagg  and  George  Gerrish.  The  lat 
ter,  as  the  president  of  the  farm  company,  in  a  few 
well  chosen  words,  introduced  General  Manager 
Flagg,  as  the  orator  of  the  day. 

Inspired  by  the  cheers  which  greeted  him,  happy 
in  the  presence  of  his  beloved  Fern ;  yet  with  all 
alert,  and  confident  of  his  complete  mastery  of  the 
subject ;  our  hero  never  before  seemed  quite  so 
handsome  as  when  he  began  to  speak. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  187 

CHAPTER  XXVIII.     . 

THE    ORATION. 

"PEOPLE  of  Solaris,  I  thank  you  for  the  honor  of 
having  been  chosen  as  the  orator,  for  this  our  first 
Arbor-day  Celebration  !  I  assure  you,  that  I  am 
both  proud  and  happy  to  serve  you  in  that  capacity  ! 

"In  the  beginning,  let  us  consider  the  art  of  tree- 
planting,  from  the  stand-point  of  an  acorn,  as  being 
a  typical  nut  or  tree-bearing  seed,  such  as  I  now 
hold  in  my  hand. 

1  '  This  tiny  nut,  with  such  a  smooth  hard  shell  of 
polished  brown,  contains  a  kernel  with  magical  pos 
sibilities.  Within  this  kernel,  closely  packed  and 
safely  cradled,  lies  the  embryo  oak.  So  small  and 
so  insignificant  is  this  nut,  that  one  may  travel  for 
months  over  land  and  sea,  with  the  possible  ancestor 
of  a  half-dozen  future  oak-forests  snugly  tucked 
away  in  some  inside  pocket.  This,  too,  without  ever 
once  receiving  a  demand  from  the  lynx-eyed  custom 
officials,  for  the  payment  of  either  import  or  export 
duties  upon  it.  Half  way  round  the  globe,  from  the 
spot  occupied  by  its  parent  tree,  this  highly -pol 
ished,  much-traveled  nut,  if  given  the  proper  con 
ditions,  will  at  once  commence  the  mysterious  trans 
formation  process,  which  marks  the  beginning  of  the 
life  and  growth  of  another  oak  tree.  This  growth, 
under  favorable  circumstances,  may  continue  for  the 
historical  period  of  ten  centuries.  Ministering  mean 
while,  to  the  needs  of  forty  passing  generations  of 
people.  Reproducing  itself,  perhaps  a  million  times 
in  the  aggregate,  by  the  enormous  annual  crops  of 
acorns  it  may  have  borne.  What  a  history  of  mar- 


188  SOLARIS   FARM. 

vels,  is  the  history  of  such  a  growth  !  As  it  is  with 
the  oak,  so  it  is  in  a  large  measure,  with  all  other 
trees  which  are  produced  from  seeds. 

"This  fascinatingly  mysterious  process  of  passing 
from  seed  to  plant, — from  passive  to  active  life,  we 
have  watched  with  keen  interest  and  growing  pleas 
ure,  as  from  week  to  week,  in  the  seed  beds  and 
nursery  rows  of  our  tree-garden,  it  has  steadily  pro 
gressed,  under  the  varying  conditions  of  sunshine 
and  storm.  Having  reached  a  suitable  size  for  trans 
planting,  we  have  this  morning  commenced  the  ac 
tual  work  of  tree  planting,  by  carefully  placing  the 
young  trees  in  the  proper  soil  and  location,  where 
they  may  complete  the  sturdy  growth  they  have  so 
well  begun.  The  preparatory  work,  we  began  some 
months  ago,  w^hen  as  individuals,  we  selected  the 
three  trees,  of  some  one  chosen  variety,  which  we 
especially  desired  to  -plant  in  forest  formation,  on 
the  occasion  of  this  festival. 

"By  the  months  of  .thoughtful  care  and  attention 
which  wre  have  given  to  these  trees,  we  have  gained 
a  personal  interest  in  them  which  we  cannot  lose. 
In  this  initiative  work,  I  am  convinced  that  we  have 
wisely  established  such  a  broad  foundation  of  gen 
eral  interest  in  forestry  and  kindred  topics,  that 
sooner  or  later,  it  will  lead  us  to  a  complete  mastery 
of  the  whole  subject.  The  individual  interest  thus 
established,  will  continue  to  expand  until  it  embraces 
the  entire  tree-family  of  the  world.  By  constantly 
adding  to  our  stores  of  knowledge  in  this  direction, 
we  shall  be  surprised  to  find  how  much  we  have  ex 
tended  our  field  of  pleasure.  In  the  same  ratio, 
there  will  come  to  us  a  corresponding  increase  of  af 
fection  and  appreciation  for  our  benefactors,  the 
trees  ;  a  solace  in  the  sojourn  of  life,  so  generously 


SOLARIS  FARM.  189 

supplied  by  Mother  Nature. 

"The  location  of  Solaris  as  an  experimental  tree- 
planting  farm,  is  particularly  fortunate.  It  possess 
es  a  soil  and  climate  which  will  promote  the  perfect 
growth  of  more  than  one  hundred  different  varieties 
of  trees.  Among  these,  we  find  a  majority  of  the 
valuable  timber  and  nut-bearing  trees  of  the  world. 
Consequently,  a  very  wide  field  of  experimentation 
awaits  our  efforts.  Let  us  improve  our  splendid 
opportunities  so  industriously,  that  a  wide  spread 
interest  in  forestry,  may  follow  and  become  firmly 
established  in  the  minds  of  the  people  of  our  Re 
public. 

"By  way  of  an  introduction  to  the  general  subject, 
of  the  importance  of  trees,  as  an  adj  unct  to  the  pro 
gress,  welfare  and  civilization  of  mankind.  I  wish 
to  relate  to  you  the  story  of  my  first  great  lesson  in 
the  seductive  lore  of  forestry. 

"Near  the  beginning  of  the  last  decade  of  the 
Nineteenth  Century,  in  the  year  of  1893,  it  was  my 
good  fortune  to  visit  the  World's  Columbian  Exposi 
tion  at  Chicago.  I  was  then  a  lad  of  fifteen  years, 
full  of  boyish  enthusiasm,  in  the  enjoyment  of  my 
first  vacation  from  the  preparatory  school,  where  I 
was  being  fitted  for  my  collegiate  course. 

"I  was  born  and  reared  on  my  father's  farm,  on 
the  broad  rolling  prairies  of  Nebraska ;  up  to  that 
time  I  had  never  been  far  from  home  ;  as  a  conse 
quence  my  knowledge  of  growing  trees  was  limited 
to  the  following  fast-growing  varieties,  which  were 
planted  and  cultivated  by  prairie  farmers  for  fuel, 
fencing  and  storm-protection.  I  will  name  these 
varieties  in  the  order  of  their  value  for  fuel  and  tim 
ber.  White  ash,  soft  maple,  cottonwood  and  white 
willow.  At  a  later  period  I  learned  that  perhaps 


190  SOLARIS  FARM. 

with  the  exception  of  white  ash,  the  timber  fur 
nished  by  these  trees,  is  considered  valueless,  in  the 
markets  of  the  world. 

"  Under  such  circumstances  you  may  imagine  my 
astonishment  when  I  first  beheld  that  wonderfully 
unique,  Forestry  Building ;  with  its  bristling  array 
of  tree-trunk  flag  poles.  Try  first  to  picture  in  your 
mind's  eye,  a  building  in  the  form  of  a  parallelo 
gram,  large  enough  to  afford  two  acres  of  floor- 
space;  with  the  first  story  surrounded  on  every  side 
by  a  wide,  open  veranda:  with  a  full  length  second 
story  one  hundred  feet  wide,  rising  gracefully  from 
the  central  roof  of  the  first ;  altogether,  completing 
a  design  of  exterior  so  boldly  rustic  in  its  general 
effect,  as  to  suggest  the  idea  of  trees  and  forests  at 
every  point ;  then,  you  may  get  the  delightfully 
novel  effect,  which  the  architect  conveyed  to  my 
mind  as  I  approached  this  curiously  fascinating 
structure.  A  closer  inspection  increased  the  rustic 
effect  of  the  general  design.  The  main  outside  walls, 
were  composed  of  thousands  of  wide,  bark-coated 
slabs,  cut  from  the  choice  typical  trees  of  our  Ameri 
can  forests. 

' '  The  wide  roof,  was  in  itself  an  ideal  creation  ;  it 
was  thickly  covered  with  curving  tiles  of  rough 
bark,  in  alternating  layers  of  the  varying  kinds, 
which  formed  a  picturesque  combination  redolent 
with  the  spicy  resinous  odors  of  birch,  basswood, 
hemlock  and  fir. 

"Completely  encircling  the  building,  with  feet  firm 
ly  planted  on  its  solid  stone  foundation,  rising  to  the 
roof  through  the  floor  of  the  veranda  at  its  outer 
edge,  were  the  thickly  planted  supporting  pillars. 
These  pillars  like  a  long  line  of  watchful  sentinels, 
were  placed  in  trios.  The  two  outside  pillars  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  191 

each  trio,  were  only  separated  from  the  middle  one 
by  a  few  inches  of  space,  and  were  as  nearly  as  pos 
sible,  ten  inches  in  diameter.  The  one  in  the  center 
was  much  larger  and  held  the  post  of  honor  as  the 
flag  bearer  of  its  triumvirate.  By  pushing  its  way 
through  the  roof  it  became  a  huge  flag  pole,  fifty  feet 
from  base  to  tip,  with  a  beautiful  banner  proudly 
waving  from  its  ball  crowned  summit.  These  pillars, 
both  large  and  small,  were  bark-coated  below  the 
roof.  Each  one  had  been  carefully  selected  for  its 
symmetrical  straightness,  as  a  representative  tree 
from  the  different  forests  of  the  world.  Altogether, 
they  formed  a  most  interesting  collection,  to  which 
might  well  be  devoted,  many  hours  of  admiring  in 
spection,  by  every  lover  of  trees. 

'  'A  wide  lattice  work  of  bark-laden  tree  limbs,  of  a 
uniform  size  completed  the  charmingly  rustic  cornice, 
which,  like  some  endless  curtain  seemed  to  hang 
suspended  from  the  caves  of  this  bark- thatched  roof. 

''Having  sufficiently  studied  the  exterior  beauties 
of  this  remarkable  building,  of  such  arborescent 
magnificence;  let  us  mount  the  steps  to  the  broad, 
breezy  veranda.  Pausing  a  moment  to  inhale  the 
refreshing  coolness  of  the  crisp  air;  and  to  admire 
the  wave  curving  sparkle  of  the  blue  waters  of  Lake 
Michigan,  we  then  pass  to  the  shining  portal  of 
richly  colored,  highly  polished  woods,  which  form 
the  main  entrance.  Here,  covering  the  entire  avail 
able  floor-space,  piled  high  in  splendid  profusion;  we 
behold  the  garnered  riches  from  the  forests  of  the 
world. 

"I  shall  not  attempt  to  describe  my  varying  emo 
tions  of  wonder  and  delight,  as  I  wandered  for  hours 
through  a  bewildering  maze  of  the  wonderful  ex 
hibits,  which  formed  this  unrivalled  collection  of 


192  SOLARIS  FARM. 

choice  woods.  As  I  advanced,  my  admiration  for  its 
variety  and  extent  continued  to  grow.  I  began  to 
perceive  that,  spread  out  before  me,  was  the  oppor 
tunity  of  a  life  time,  which,  if  properly  utilized 
would  prove  for  me  the  permanent  foundation  of  an 
education  on  the  subject  of  timber,  trees  and  forestry 
products.  With  this  realization  came  the  resolve, 
that  I  would  devote  time  enough  to  each  exhibit,  to 
permit  me  to  examine  it  in  detail,  leisurely  and 
carefully. 

"The  separate  exhibits  from  the  States  of  the 
Union  and  from  other  nations,  were  skillfully  classi 
fied  and  so  artistically  arranged,  as  to  show  in  the 
most  effective  manner  the  lovely  grain,  color  and 
finished  beauty,  of  the  different  woods. 

"All  the  valuable  timbers  were  represented  by 
three  specimens.  The  first  and  second,  were  pol 
ished  planks  displaying  the  grain-finish,  of  both 
radial  and  transverse  sections.  The  third,  a  cross 
section  or  disc,  showing  the  heart,  body-wood,  sap- 
wood  and  bark ;  the  full  size  of  the  tree  represented. 
These  discs  proved  by  far  the  most  interesting  part 
of  the  exhibit.  To  me  they  were  a  revelation  !  They 
at  once  introduced  me  to  the  individuality  of  the 
tree.  I  could  read  the  history  of  its  life  as  I  scan 
ned  the  ever- widening  circle  of  annual  rings,  which, 
from  center  to  circumference,  marked  the  slow 
growth  of  ages,  as  the  tree  advanced  from  infancy 
to  maturity. 

"By  means  of  these  polished  discs,  I  could  touch 
and  become  personally  acquainted  with  the  precious, 
the  famous,  and  the  historical  trees  of  the  world.  The 
mighty  teak  and  deodar  from  India.  The  giant  ma 
hogany  from  Central  America.  The  olive  of  Pales 
tine.  The  cedars  of  Lebanon.  The  ancient  oaks 


SOLARIS  FARM.  193 

of  Dodona.  The  magnificent  dye-wood  and  rose 
wood  of  Brazil.  The  majestic  live-oak  of  Florida. 
The  druidical-oaks  of  England.  The  smooth,  elastic 
bamboo,  which  by  its  size  and  strength  becomes  so 
useful  in  house-building,  in  both  China  and  Japan. 
The  towering  spruces  and  sugar  pines  of  our  Pacific 
Coast.  The  great  elms  of  New  England.  The  just 
ly  famous,  white  pines  of  Michigan,  Minnesota  and 
Wisconsin.  The  wonderful  spice-woods  of  Java  and 
Ceylon.  The  curious  soap  and  rubber  trees  of  Bra 
zil.  The  tall  sugar  maples  and  smooth,  symmetrical 
beeches  of  New  York.  The  great  hemlocks  of 
Pennsylvania.  The  stately  cypress,  the  royal  tulip 
tree,  and  the  beautiful  evergreen  white  holly,  of  our 
southern  forests.  The  highly  prized  black-walnut 
of  Tennessee  and  North  Carolina.  The  fruitful, 
free-growing  chestnut,  so  common  all  over  the  Un 
ited  States.  Finally,  that  towering  king  of  all  trees, 
the  matchless  mammoth  redwood  of  California.* 

"These  redwoods  are  such  veritable  giants  in  size, 
that  the  half  disc  displayed  in  the  California  Section, 
with  its  thick  ring  of  bark  on  the  rounding  side 
uppermost,  stood  sixteen  feet  high.  From  the  huge 
trunk  of  this  tree  came  the  accompanying  plank  of 
such  extraordinary  dimensions,  that  a  placard  pro 
claimed  it  the  largest  plank  the  world  ever  saw. 
This  plank  was  five  inches  thick,  twenty-five  feet 
long  and  sixteen  feet  nine  inches  wide;  containing 
about  two  thousand  feet  of  lumber,  board  measure. 

"In  the  Brazilian  Section  I  found  a  large  disc,  ac 
companied  by  a  specimen  branch,  with  the  leaves, 
flowers  and  fruit  of  a  most  remarkable  tree.  To 
this  tree,  the  world  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude  for  its 
generous  unfailing  supply  of  a  rich  wholesome  food. 
Almost  every  child  through  the  sense  of  sight,  touch 


194  SOLARIS  FARM. 

and  taste,  is  familiar  with  that  peculiar,  triangular- 
shaped,  sharp-edged,  black-coated  nut  of  commerce, 
with  such  a  delicious  kernel,  known  as  the  brazil  nut. 
Very  few  however,  know  anything  of  the  tree  which 
bears  them,  or  how  they  are  attached  to  the  branches 
from  which  they  are  suspended.  As  it  is  a  matter  of 
such  general  interest  to  both  old  and  young,  I  shall 
take  the  liberty  of  devoting  a  few  moments  to  a 
brief  description  of  this  gigantic  tree,  which  the 
botanist  has  named  'The  Bertholletia  Excelsa. ' 

' '  These  wonderful  trees  grow  most  abundantly  in 
the  valleys  of  the  Amazons,  and  generally  through 
out  tropical  America.  In  size  and  beauty,  they  rank 
as  monarchs  of  their  native  forests.  They  attain  an 
average  height  of  one  hundred  and  thirty  feet, 
having  smooth  cylindrical,  beautifully  proportioned 
bodies ;  which  often  have  the  astonishing  diameter 
of  fourteen  feet,  when  measured  fifty  feet  above  the 
ground.  Like  columns  in  some  vast  cathedral,  these 
majestic  representatives  of  the  vegetable  kingdom, 
raise  their  massive  trunks  one  hundred  feet  toward 
heaven,  before  they  commence  to  branch  out,  and  to 
form  a  medium  sized,  symmetrical  top.  At  this 
height  grow  the  flowers  and  fruits. 

' '  The  fruits  are  globular,  with  a  diameter  of  five 
or  six  inches.  Each  fruit  contains  within  its  black, 
woody,  shell,  from  eighteen  to  twenty-five  closely 
packed  seeds  or  brazil-nuts.  These  fruits,  as  they 
ripen,  fall  from  their  lofty  position.  At  the  proper 
season  they  are  collected,  broken  open  and  marketed 
by  the  Indians,  who  roam  through  these  dark, 
gloomy,  miasmatic  forests.  The  extraordinary  abun 
dance  of  the  crop  may  be  measured  by  the  fact, 
that  one  port  alone  on  the  Amazon  River,  exports  an 
nually  more  than  fifty  millions  of  these  excellent  nuts. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  195 

"Brazil-nuts  are  largely  eaten  as  a  nutritious  and 
palatable  food,  by  a  multitude  of  people  in  many 
lands.  They  yield  a  generous  supply  of  fine  bland 
oil,  which  is  highly  prized  for  use  in  cookery,  and 
also  for  lubricating  all  kinds  of  delicate  machinery. 

' '  The  timber  furnished  by  these  fruitful  and  beauti 
ful  trees,  is  light  and  durable,  easily  worked,  well 
adapted  to  the  purpose  of  boat-building  ;  especially 
canoes  of  th<^  largest  size.  Indeed  !  I  may  add  as 
a  final  tribute  to  these  noble  trees,  that  -they  are  the 
peculiar  product  of  the  American  Continent,  of 
which  it  may  well  be  proud !  They  have  bodies  so 
tall,  so  straight,  so  large,  so  symmetrical,  so  free 
from  knots,  and  so  easily  dug  out,  that  the  largest 
ship  used  by  the  hardy  and  fearless  old  Vikings  of 
the  Eleventh  Century,  could  easily  have  been  fash 
ioned  from  a  single  one  ! 

"In  connection  with  the  main  exhibit  in  the 
Forestry  Building  itself,  I  visited  and  examined 
the  magnificent  and  astonishing  timber  displays 
shown  in  the  State  buildings  of  California,  Oregon, 
and  Washington.  These  exhibits  were  in  every  way 
worthy  of  those  three  great  states  of  the  Pacific 
Coast ;  they  also  served  to  largely  increase  the  pre 
ponderance  of  the  exhibit  from  the  United  States  as 
a  whole,  over  that  of  all  other  nations  combined. 
The  demonstrated  extent,  variety  and  wealth  of  our 
timber  supply,  was  a  matter  of  profound  astonish 
ment  to  visitors  from  other  lands  ;  while  at  the  same 
time  these  things  were  equally  a  source  of  surprise 
and  pride  to  every  citizen  of  the  Republic  who  saw 
them. 

"After  a  most  delightfully  well  spent  week,  de 
voted  almost  entirely  to  forestry  productions,  I  was 
prepared  to  sum  up  my  impressions  of  the  signifi- 


196  SOLARIS  FARM. 

cance  and  value  of  the  knowledge  I  had  gained  in  my 
first  lesson.  It  was  plain  to  me  that  the  magnitude 
and  importance  of  the  subject,  was  but  little  under 
stood  or  appreciated,  by  the  average  American  citi 
zen.  I  saw  that  our  people  were  very  much  in  need 
of  some  great  object  lesson  like  the  forestry  exhibit 
of  the  Columbian  Exposition,  to  make  them  properly 
realize  the  immensity  of  our  debt  of  gratitude  to 
Mother  Nature  for  her  munificent  gift  of  trees  to 
mankind. 

' '  I  shall  now  conclude  my  story  of  the  Forestry 
Exposition,  by  naming  from  the  exhibit  the  following, 
as  a  few  of  the  many  things  of  use  and  value,  which 
we  owe  to  our  benefactors,  the  trees ;  things  -which 
are  so  necessary  to  our  comfort  and  happiness, 
which  in  so  many  ways,  affect  the  progress,  welfare 
and  civilization  of  the  world's  people. 

4 'Among  the  more  important  gifts  from  the  trees 
I  shall  place  lumber  and  shingles,  used  in  the  con 
struction  of  houses,  barns  and  all  kinds  of  habitable 
or  industrial  buildings ;  bridges,  boats,  ships  and 
sailing  -vessels  of  all  kinds ;  furniture,  fencing  and 
a  great  variety  of  farming  utensils.  Under  the 
head  of  fuel,  I  may  mention  fire-wood  and  charcoal. 
In  the  class  of  vehicles  we  have  wagons  and  all  kinds 
of  carriages  from  the  stage  coach  to  the  pullman 
palace  car.  Some  kind  of  lumber  or  timber  enters 
very  largely  into  the  construction  of  almost  every 
kind  of  machinery.  In  the  miscellaneous  group  we 
find  wood- alcohol,  dye-wood,  medicinal  barks,  roots 
and  galls ;  precious  gums,  resins  and  all  of  the 
spices  ;  the  various  kinds  of  excelsior  used  for  pack 
ing,  bedding  and  upholstery  ;  wood-pulp  and  paper, 
inlaid  work,  vegetable  ivory,  and  cocoanut  shells  ; 
the  entire  series  of  willow  ware,  and  wooden,  or 


SOLARIS  FARM.  197 

hollow  ware.  In  food  products,  we  are  confronted 
by  a  most  astonishing  array  of  edible  sprouts,  ber 
ries,  delicious  fruits  and  nutritious  nuts,  forming 
altogether  a  multitude  of  things  which,  in  civilized 
life,  we  could  not  possibly  do  without. 

"In  considering  the  impressions  conveyed  to  our 
minds  by  growing  trees,  which  inherently  possess 
a  sturdy  vitality,  that  can  resist  the  vicissitudes  of 
passing  ages ;  we  instinctively  recognize  them  as 
nature's  noblest  gift  to  man.  As  majestic  monarchs, 
in  the  empire  of  plant  life,  they  appeal  to  us  as  com 
panions,  which  become  dearer  with  the  associations 
of  each  passing  year,  until  love  for  them  becomes  a 
feeling  almost  akin  to  worship. 

"This  worshipful  feeling,  no  doubt,  comes  to  us  as 
a  heritage  from  a  remote  ancestry.  In  the  days  of 
ancient  story,  groves  of  noble  trees  offered  primitive 
man,  nature's  grandest  and  most  appropriate  cathe 
drals,  for  the  celebration  of  his  worshipful  rites. 
Is  it  a  matter  of  wonder,  that  he  unhesitatingly 
accorded  to  them,  the  distinction  of  being  sacred  ? 
The  emotional  nature  of  this  primitive  man  was 
a  mystery  which  he  could  neither  understand  nor 
control.  Often,  he  suffered  untold  tortures  from  the 
agonizing  perturbations  to  which  it  easily  became  a 
prey.  Hidden  in  the  deep  shade  of  his  sacred  grove, 
in  his  happier  moments,  the  sighing  of  each  passing 
breeze  through  his  leafy  canopy,  become  to  his  un 
trained  ear,  the  whispered  blessing  of  nature's  pla 
cated  God  !  When  the  dark  pall  of  the  Storm  King 
shrouded  all  things  with  a  terrifying  gloom,  the 
restless  moaning  of  such  a  mass  of  writhing  boughs, 
lashed  by  the  fury  of  the  blast,  became  the  angry 
shriek  of  the  Demons  of  Destruction,  which  left  him 
prostrate  and  trembling  in  the  throes  of  a  paroxysm 


198  SOLARIS   FARM. 

of  worshipful  fear.  Analyzed,  these  actions  show 
the  result  of  man's  environment. 

"By  the  way  of  a  contrast,  and  as  a  testimonial  to 
the  planetary  growth  of  man's  emotional  nature, 
gained  from  the  ages  of  progress  ;  let  us  question 
modern  man  as  he  leans  confidingly,  in  a  contempla 
tive  mood,  against  the  broad  trunk  of  some  giant 
of  the  forest.  With  uncovered  head,  he  muses  in 
silence;  he  senses  a  vague  feeling  of  awe  for  this 
magnificent  specimen  of  matured  life  in  the  vege 
table  world.  With  every  sense  attuned  to  the  over 
tones  and  undertones,  produced  by  the  vibrations  of 
nature's  harp  ;  he  catches  the  rythmic  song  of  the 
sappy  currents,  as  they  swiftly  fly  to  feed  the  swell 
ing  cells,  where  the  building  energy  of  their  tiny 
hearts  of  protoplasm,  ceaselessly  changes  the  ele 
ments  of  soil  and  sunlight,  into  the  woody  fibre  of 
this  mighty  tree.  How  beautiful  !  How  like  the 
complicated  mechanism  of  the  human  body !  Wonder- 
ingly  he  questions  !  Can  it  be  possible,  that  the 
pulsing  energy  of  the  protoplasmic  life  of  the  tree, 
is  identical  with  that  of  man,  and  all  other  forms  of 
cosmic  life  ?  Does  each  great  throb  of  the  planetary 
heart,  re-energize  and  move  in  unison,  the  protoplas 
mic  centers  of  all  forms  of  life  ?  Who  shall  say? 

"In  discussing  the  peculiar  fitness  of  our  present 
organization,  to  deal  effectually  with  the  question  of 
tree  planting,  we  discover,  that  in  the  co-operative 
association  of  so  many  people,  we  possess  a  marked 
advantage  over  the  small  farmer,  which  enables  us 
to  treat  large  tracts  of  land  as  a  single  farm  ;  by  de 
voting  all  of  the  rough,  stony  ground,  steep  hill  sides, 
unsightly  gullies  and  areas  of  poor,  gravelly  soils,  to 
the  purposes  of  timber  and  fruit  culture. 

' '  Harmoniously  united,  we  are  financially  and  in- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  199 

tellectually  stronger ;  less  influenced  or  retarded  by 
motives  of  selfishness  and  greed  ;  surrounded  by  con 
ditions  of  easy  comfort ;  armed  with  skill  by  study 
and  experience  ;  and  withal  inspired  by  a  knowledge 
of  the  great  necessity  for  replacing  our  forests ;  we 
are  exceptionally  well  prepared  to  carry  forward  this 
great  work,  so  successfully  and  to  such  an  extent, 
that  a  few  decades  hence  our  hill  sides  and  mountains, 
shall  be  re-clothed  with  beautiful  forests  of  much 
finer  trees — all  choice  timber — vastly  more  valuable 
than  the  original  stock. 

"By  more  systematic  methods  of  terracing  the 
steep  hills ;  by  close  planting  of  the  young  trees, 
with  varieties  selected  by  reason  of  their  value  for 
lumber,  timber,  nuts  and  fruit ;  by  a  judicious  thin 
ning  out  of  these  young  trees  so  soon  as  they  have 
grown  to  a  useful  size ;  a  profitable  crop  of  timber 
may  be  secured  each  year,  with  a  positive  benefit  to 
the  remaining  trees.  This  operation  may  be  repeated 
many  times,  before  a  partial  replanting  becomes  nec 
essary.  By  an  extended  use  of  these  methods,  the 
excellence  of  the  timber  supply  may  be  doubled, 
while  the  aggregate  yield  will  be  trebled.  The  land 
scape  will  be  beautified  and  permanently  changed. 
Barren,  unprofitable  hills,  and  rough  unsightly  moun 
tain  tracts,  rejoicing  in  a  new  growth  of  beautiful 
verdure-clad  trees,  will  become  objects  of  general  ad 
miration  ;  while  at  the  same  time,  the  value  of  these 
lands,  as  a  source  of  wealth,  will  be  increased  a 
thousand  fold. 

"As  these  forests  continue  to  grow,  the  shade  deep 
ens,  the  store  of  retained  moisture  increases,  per 
ceptible  changes  in  the  climate  are  effected  ;  the  evils 
of  flood,  erosion  and  drought  are  checked ;  the  soil 
made  deeper  and  richer;  the  rainfall  largely  in- 


200  SOLARIS  FARM. 

creased ;  the  climatic  conditions  become  more  genial, 
and  the  cooling,  drouth- dispelling  rains  become  more 
frequent. 

''The  interesting  and  beautiful  process,  by  which 
these  changes  are  accomplished,  may  be  briefly  stated 
as  follows  :  With  the  growth  of  each  year,  the  area 
of  the  leafy  surfaces  of  these  forest  trees  is  enor 
mously  extended.  Measured  by  the  same  increasing 
ratio,  many  additional  thousands  of  tons  of  moisture 
are  pumped  up  and  given  to  the  winds  in  the  form  of 
a  fine  vapor,  by  the  tireless  industry  of  these  lovely 
leaves.  This  vapor  is  taken  up  by  the  clouds — 
nature's  aerial  reservoirs.  Soon  this  treasure  of 
waters  thus  accumulated,  is  restored  to  the  thirsty 
earth  by  a  largely  increased  rainfall.  Autumnal 
frosts  ripen  and  loosen  each  crop  of  leaves ;  they 
fall  silently  to  the  ground,  where  they  quickly  form 
a  thick,  soft  carpet  of  ever  increasing  thickness. 
Through  the  action  of  shade  and  moisture,  the  under 
surface  of  this  carpet  becomes  a  layer  of  fine  leaf 
mold,  which  in  turn  offers  rich  food  for  the  suste 
nance  of  millions  of  tiny  feeding  rootlets  from  the 
trees  of  the  forest.  The  closely  interwoven  fibre  of 
these  rootlets,  everywhere  forms  a  strong  web  for 
the  carpet,  which  firmly  holds  in  place  the  soft, 
porous,  underlying  soil,  safely  protecting  it  from  the 
destructive  erosion  which,  especially  on  the  steeper 
slopes,  swiftly  follows  the  dashing  violence  of 
heavy  rain  storms.  Gradually  this  leafy  carpet 
grows  in  strength  and  thickness ;  like  some  great 
sponge  it  sucks  up  and  retains  the  waters  of  the 
snows  of  winter,  with  those  of  the  increased  rain- fall 
of  summer. 

"Thousands  of  mountain  torrents,  the  beginnings 
of  destructive  floods,  are  thus  checked,  absorbed  and 


SOLARIS  FARM.  201 

shorn  of  their  disintegrating  energies.  The  gar 
nered  waters  from  this  wonderful  leafy  sponge,  slow 
ly  percolate  through  the  soil,  to  reappear  in  a  multi 
tude  of  living  springs  of  pure  sparkling  water. 
From  these  springs  gently  flow  the  tiny  rivulets, 
which  in  turn  become  the  full  streams  that  gladden 
the  plains  and  valleys  throughout  the  long  scorch 
ing  months  of  summer. 

''By  a  close  analysis  of  the  beneficial  results  which 
follow  the  annual  recurrence  of  these  beautiful  pro 
cesses,  we  may  form  a  correct  estimate  of  the  vast 
importance  of  this  tree-planting  labor,  to  which  this 
day,  we  gladly  offer  our  best  energies  and  our  best 
thought.  We  begin  to  perceive  the  magnitude  of 
the  blessing  which  may  be  conferred  on  mankind, 
in  general  and  on  the  agriculturist  in  particular,  by 
the  continued  work  of  covering  our  hills  and  moun 
tains  with  valuable  forests. 

* '  We  have  discovered  from  nature  the  secret  of  a 
power  that  shall  enable  us  to  control  many  of  our 
environmental  conditions.  We  hold  the  key  to  the 
solution  of  a  great  problem,  which  for  the  past 
quarter  of  a  century,  has  puzzled  the  brightest 
minds  and  best  thinkers  among  our  statesmen.  The 
problem  of  how  best  to  control  the  devastating 
floods,  which  each  year,  with  increasing  power  and 
violence,  continue  to  destroy  hundreds  of  lives  and 
millions  of  dollars  worth  of  property,  on  the  farms 
and  in  the  towns  and  cities  throughout  the  river 
valleys  of  our  broad  land.  For  this  growing  terror, 
we  hold  the  cure  !  With  the  completion  of  this 
system  of  forestry,  the  floods  will  disappear.  The 
interests  of  our  coastwise  and  inland  commerce,  will 
be  greatly  extended  and  benefitted.  Many  rivers, 
with  beds  choked  and  obstructed  by  the  unsightly 


202  SOLARIS  FARM. 

rocks  and  debris  deposited  by  the  annual  floods, 
and  for  the  same  reason,  dry  for  many  months  in 
each  year,  will  again  become  navigable.  Perennial 
streams,  fed  by  permanent  mountain  springs,  will 
serve  to  keep  these  rivers  with  full  channels  through 
out  the  year. 

"The  clear  water  will  be  free  from  the  lighter 
silt  which  now  finds  its  way  to  the  sea  ;  slowly  fill 
ing  up  the  river- mouth  harbor,  and  finally  destroy 
ing  the  commerce  of  the  city  which  depends  upon  it. 
In  this  way,  every  individual  child  or  adult,  who 
plants  a  tree,  aids  .directly  in  the  restoring  some 
distant  seaport  to  its  former  commercial  importance; 
and  has  proudly  earned  the  right  to  be  placed  as  an 
important  working  member,  on  the  peoples'  great 
'Committee  for  Improvement  of  Rivers  and  Harbors. ' 

"Tree-planting,  persistent  tree-planting,  by  all 
classes  of  agricultural  people,  offers  the  only  means 
or  hope  of  checking  the  wide- spread,  calamity-pro 
ducing  floods  and  erosions,  which  commenced  with 
the  destruction  of  our  mountain  forests.  The  de 
structive  process  is  accelerated  with  each  passing 
year.  Unchecked,  'it  threatens,  a  few  centuries 
hence,  to  rob  us  of  all  fertile  soil ;  to  reduce  our 
hills  and  mountains  to  a  dreary  waste  of  bare,  sun- 
scorched  rocks  :  our  plains  and  valleys,  to  uninhabit 
able  deserts.  United  action  is  therefore  imperative  ! 

"Other  incentives,  worthy  of  our  attention,  urge 
us  to  commence  the  work.  By  yielding  even  one- 
half  of  the  area  of  our  tillable  lands  to  the  needs  of 
forestry,  we  have  all  the  richest  lands  left  in  the 
remaining  half.  The  productiveness  and  fertility  of 
these  lands  is  sure  to  be  speedily  doubled.  "  The 
amount  of  labor  required  to  produce  the  same  crops 
from  the  diminished  areas,  will  be  reduced  one-half. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  203 

A  most  important  consideration  ! 

' '  The  third  generation  of  people,  after  the  plant 
ing  of  these  forests,  will  gather  from  them,  such  an 
abundant  harvest  of  nuts,  fruits,  and  valuable  tim 
bers,  as  will  more  than  repay  the  entire  cost  of  the 
land  and  labor  required  to  produce  them  ;  leaving  a 
handsome  surplus  to  be  devoted  to  carrying  forward 
the  work  on  a  still  larger  scale  ;  in  regions  less 
promising  and  more  remote,  even  within  the  borders 
of  the  arid  lands.  With  this  lesson  before  us,  how 
can  we  hesitate  or  falter  in  our  efforts  to  success 
fully  carry  forward  this  important  work  ? 

"I  wish  now,  to  call  your  attention  to  the  follow 
ing  facts  regarding  the  farms  and  farmers  of  our 
Republic,  which  altogether  offer  additional  incen 
tives  for  the  speedy  adoption  of  co-operative  farm 
ing  on  a  scale  large  enough  to  admit  of  timber  cul 
ture,  as  the  only  available  source  of  relief.  The 
significance  of  these  facts  has  scarcely  been  con 
sidered,  by  those  most  deeply  interested.  The  farm 
ing  lands  now  owned  or  controlled  by  our  agricultural 
people,  represent  the  accumulated  capital  or  savings 
of  a  life  time ;  frequently  of  several  generations  of 
the  same  family. 

"A  steady  decline  in  the  market  values  of  all  farm 
products  during  the  past  twenty-five  years,  has  in 
the  same  ratio,  affected  the  selling  value  of  the  farm 
to  such  an  extent,  that  from  forty  to  fifty  per  cent  of 
its  value  at  the  commencement  of  the  decline,  has 
been  swept  away  and  lost  to  the  farmer,  from  the 
credit  side  of  his  available  resources.  This  alarming 
shrinkage,  has  in  the  aggregate,  amounted  to  many 
millions,  yes,  billions  of  dollars  !  The  financial  dis 
tress  which  has  followed,  has  correspondingly  affect 
ed  many  other  industries.  It  has  been  the  real  cause 


204  SOLARIS  FARM. 

of  the  forced  sale  of  many  fine  farms  at  such  ruin 
ously  low  prices,  as  to  sacrifice  at  one  blow,  the 
savings  of  a  life-time.  Each  sale  of  this  character 
serves  to  depress  the  market  value  of  all  lands  in 
that  particular  locality.  In  this  way  the  disaster 
spreads  and  gathers  additional  force. 

'  'A  very  large  number  of  farmers,  who  have  not  as 
yet  been  forced  to  sell  their  farms,  have  found  them 
selves  so  financially  cramped,  as  to  be  unable  to  se 
cure  the  additional  lands  they  had  hoped  and  planned 
to  purchase  for  their  children.  What  is  the  result  ? 
A  most  abundant  harvest  of  blasted  hopes  for  the 
sons  and  daughters  of  our  American  farms  ! 

"Capital  in  the  hands  of  shrewd  people,  is  always 
on  the  alert,  waiting  for  such  opportunities  for  in 
vestment.  These  investors  through  capital  wish  to 
live  without  effort,  upon  the  proceeds  of  the  labor  of 
others.  They  seem  to  understand  clearly,  that  to 
own  land,  is  to  own  the  services  of  the  people  who 
must  have  access  to  the  land  in  order  to  live.  This 
is  why  a  land  monoply  is  more  to  be  feared  than 
other  kind.  For  this  reason  we  may  well  be  alarmed, 
as  we  note  from  time  to  time,  the  large  tracts  of  land 
which  are  being  purchased  by  wealthy  individuals, 
foreign  syndicates,  home  corporations  and  land  mon 
opolists  generally,  who  are  quietly  operating,  while 
prices  are  so  abnormally  low,  to  obtain  such  com 
plete  control  of  our  valuable  agricultural  lands,  as 
will  enable  them  in  the  near  future,  by  a  concert  of 
action,  to  raise  prices  to  such  a  pitch,  that  practi 
cally  they  would  then  be  beyond  the  reach  of  the 
ordinary  farmer. 

"These  shrewd,  far-seeing  monopolists,  having 
obtained  control  of  the  lands  in  question,  can  dictate 
such  rents  to  all  applicants,  as  will  barely  enable 


SOLARIS  FARM.  205 

them  to  live.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  it  is  quite  prob 
able  that  they  would  much  prefer  not  to  rent  their 
lands,  because  they  could  save  for  their  own  pockets, 
the  wages  of  a  great  many  workers,  for  at  least  five 
months  in  each  year,  by  placing  five-thousand-acre- 
farms  in  charge  of  a  superintendent  ;  who  with  two 
assistants,  could  live  on  the  farm,  taking  proper 
care  of  the  stock,  tools  and  machinery,  throughout 
the  year.  During  the  seven  busy  months,  beginning 
about  the  first  of  April,  transient  labor,  of  the  home 
less  tramp  order,  could  easily  be  procured  to  work 
by  the  day,  week  or  month,  as  the  needs  of  the  farm 
might  demand. 

"The  growing  competition  for  even  this  kind  of 
uncertain  employment,  would  tend  constantly  to  re 
duce  the  wages.  The  danger  from  this  source  has 
been  fully  demonstrated  during  the  past  twenty-five 
years,  by  the  adoption  of  this  disposition  of  their 
holdings,  on  the  part  of  a  great  number  of  large  land 
owners.  The  success  of  the  bonanza  farm,  has 
proved  perniciously  infectious.  Our  small  farmers, 
already  in  financial  distress,  cannot  hope  to  compete 
with  such  large  farms,  so  recklessly  cropped  by  the 
monopolist  for  the  largest  possible  cash  returns, 
without  regard  for  the  future  condition  of  the  soil. 
To  double  the  capital  invested  in  five  years'  time,  is 
the  only  concern  of  the  investor.  Whatever  the 
land  will  sell  for  thereafter,  is  only  so  much  addition 
al  profit. 

"We  cannot  close  our  eyes  to  these  warning  facts. 
They  foretell  the  coming  whirlwind  of  disaster.  We 
may  be  sure  that,  if  these  things  are  allowed  to  con 
tinue  without  opposition,  long  before  the  close  of 
the  twentieth  century,  our  agricultural  people  will 
be  reduced  individually  to  the  abject  serfdom  of  a 


206  SOLARIS  FARM. 

houseless,  homeless  day-laborer.  At  this  time  it  is 
almost  impossible  for  a  majority  of  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  the  farms  of  our  Republic  to  obtain 
possession  of  enough  land  to  enable  them  to  follow 
in  the  footsteps  of  their  parents,  by  devoting  their 
lives  to  agircultural  pursuits.  Many  of  them  have 
already  entered  the  downward  path  of  the  unfortun 
ate  tenant.  Many  others  have  been  forced  to  find 
employment  in  other  pursuits. 

"You  ask  how  can  this  coming  disaster  be  averted? 
How  can  our  people  be  saved  from  such  a  hopeless 
future  ? 

' '  I  answer,  by  the  farmers,  united  with  those  who 
wish  to  become  farmers,  coming  together  every 
where  in  force  ;  by  pooling  their  issues  ;  by  helping 
themselves  ;  by  organizing  co-operative  farms  like 
this,  armed  with  schools  in  which  skilled  workmen 
may  be  taught  to  successfully  carry  on  profitable 
allied  manufacturing  industries.  Monopolistic  fa.rms 
cannot  then  successfully  compete.  With  demonstra 
tions,  such  as  we  are  making  here  to-day,  springing 
up  by  hundreds  and  thousands  in  each  county  and 
state,  during  the  next  thirty  years,  what  may  we 
expect  ?  The  last  remaining  serf  will  have  been 
emancipated.  The  hopeless  tenant  and  the  landless 
farmer  can  no  longer  be  found.  No  one  can  be  induced 
to  toil,  for  owners  of  the  monopolistic  farm.  The 
owners  will  not  and  cannot  work  themselves.  The 
experience  of  a  few  unprofitable  years  will  urge 
them  to  sell  their  lands  to  the  co-operators  at  such 
prices  as  they  may  be  inclined  to  offer.  The  victory 
will  be  ours.  A  glorious  victory  truly  !  But,  we 
must  not  expect  to  gain  this  victory  without  a  se 
vere  struggle.  In  the  earlier  stages  of  the  move 
ment,  the  monopolist  will  soon  recognize  the  co- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  207 

operative  farm  as  an  enemy  which  must  be  fought 
to  the  bitter  end,  must  be  stamped  out.  To  this  end 
they  will  strive  in  every  way  to  prevent  us  from  ob 
taining  possession  of  desirable  lands. 

"This  determined  opposition  we  must  expect  and 
be  prepared  to  meet.  Forestry  will  help  us  to 
another  solution  of  the  problem.  As  the  tree-plant 
ing  farms  continue  to  multiply,  the  increased  rain 
fall  will  cause  the  area  of  tillable  lands,  to  gradually 
extend  beyond  the  borders  of  the  arid  lands.  There 
fore  in  case  of  necessity,  we  may  turn  to  these  arid 
lands  for  relief.  In  such  an  event,  the  question  of 
forestry  becomes  an  important  factor. 

"By  referring  to  the  tenth  annual  report  of  the 
director  of  the  U.  S.  Geological  Survey,  we  learn 
that  the  arid  regions  of  the  United  States,  comprise 
the  astonishing  area  of  one  million,  three  hundred 
thousand  square  miles.  This  immense  region  con 
tains  more  than  one-third  of  all  our  lands  ;  a  terri 
tory  much  larger  than  that  of  the  thirteen  original 
states  combined.  North  and  south,  it  stretches  for 
hundreds  of  miles  on  either  side  of  the  Rocky  Moun 
tain  Range,  that  great  backbone  and  water- shed  of 
our  Continent.  On  the  west,  it  covers  nearly  all  of 
the  surface  of  that  vast,  broken  and  irregular  basin, 
lying  between  the  Rocky  and  Sierra  Nevada  Moun 
tains.  On  the  east,  it  occupies  that  extended  and 
peculiar  domain  of  high  plateaus,  treeless  plains 
and  alkali  barrens,  known  as  the  Great  American 
Desert. 

"From  this  broad  expanse  of   arid  lands,   in   ac 
cordance  with  the  statements  of  the  survey  officials, 
we  may  choose   an   area  of  one  hundred   and  fifty 
thousand   square  miles   of   irrigable  lands  ;  that  is 
lands  which  may  be  restored  to  productive  fertility, 


208  SOLARIS   FARM. 

by  means  of  irrigating  ditches  along  the  valleys, 
and  by  building  great  catch  basins,  near  the  head 
waters  of  a  multitude  of  mountain  streams,  in  which 
may  be  conserved,  the  wasting  waters  of  melting 
snows  and  those  of  the  heavy  mountain  rainfalls 
combined.  At  this  point  we  may  mention  incident 
ally,  that  this  area  of  irrigable  lands  could  be  largely 
increased,  by  covering  the  available  slopes  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains  with  dense  forests  of  fine  timber. 
With  this  accomplished,  the  annual  rainfall  would  be 
doubled,  while  the  necessary  conditions  would  be 
established,  which,  a  few  decades  hence  might  yield 
an  annual  crop  of  valuable  timber,  that  would  soon 
repay  the  entire  cost  of  planting  and  culture. 

' '  In  addition  to  the  last  named  increase,  we  may 
add  an  area  of  lands  equal  in  size  to  the  state  of 
Illinois,  which  are  beyond  the  reach  of  irrigating 
streams.  We  find  these  lands  along  the  eastern  foot 
hills  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  around  the  borders 
of  the  Great  American  desert.  They  may  easily  be 
restored  to  fertility,  by  the  skillfully  applied  labor 
of  a  legion  of  co-operative  farms.  At  varying  depths 
beneath  these  lands,  flow  perrenial  streams  of  arte 
sian  water.  By  the  spouting,  life-giving  waters  of  a 
vast  number  of  artesian  wells,  a  large  proportion  of 
these  desert  lands  can  be  transformed  to  an  agricult 
ural  paradise.  The  cost  of  these  wells,  would  be  but 
little  more  than  the  expense  of  the  labor  required  to 
bore  them. 

"But,  says  the  objector,  are  not  these  mostly  al 
kali  lands?  Of  course  they  are!  And  for  that 
reason  offer  greater  possibilities  of  value  !  ,„  Can  they 
be  made  to  grow  wheat,  and  thus  increase  the  bread 
supply  ?  r  Is  a  question  that  comes  from  the  mouths 
of  the  world's  great  army  of  bread  eaters,  six  hun- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  209 

dred  million  strong.     Just  think  of  it  ! 

< <  For  reasons  which  I  shall  state  presently,  I  hope 
to  be  able  to  show  why  these  alkali  lands  when 
properly  irrigated,  can  be  made  to  produce  abundant 
crops  of  wheat. 

"  For  the  past  twenty  years,  leading  men  of  science, 
who,  alive  to  the  importance  of  increasing  the 
world's  supply  of  wheat ;  have  given  close  attention 
to  statistics  which  seemedito  indicate  that  the  yield 
per  acre,  of  the  wheat  fields  in  all  countries,  is  stead 
ily  decreasing.  Decreasing  to  such  an  extent  as  to 
make  it  probable,  that  in  the  near  future,  the  yield  on 
a  large  proportion  of  these  lands,  will  become  too 
meagre  to  pay  the  cost-of  cultivation.  A  long  series 
of  carefully  conducted  experiments  demonstrated  the 
truth  of  these  alarming  statistics. 

"This  discovery  lead  to  a  general  search  for  some 
cheap,  available,  chemical,  compound,  which  might 
restore  these  worn  out  wheat  lands  to  their  former 
productiveness. 

"In  an  address,  delivered  at  Bristol,  England, 
near  the  close  of  the  nineteenth  century, by  Professor 
William  Crookes,  president  of  the  British  Association 
for  the  advancement  of  science;  he  says  ;  'Wheat  pre 
eminently  demands  as  a  dominant  manure,  nitrogen 
fixed  in  the  form  of  ammonia  or  nitric  acid.  Many 
years  of  experimentation  with  nitrate  of  soda,  or  Chili 
salt-petre,  have  proved  it  to  be  the  most  concentrated 
form  of  nitrogenous  food  demanded  by  growing 
wheat.  This  substance  occurs  native,  over  a  narrow 
band  of  the  plain  of  Tamarugal,  in  the  northern  prov 
ince  of  Chili,  between  the  Andes  and  the  coast  hills. 
'In  this  rainless  district  for  countless  ages,  the  con 
tinuous  fixation  of  atmospheric  nitrogen  by  the  soil, 
its  conversion  into  nitrate  by  the  slow  transfiguration 


210  SOLARIS  FARM. 

of  billions  of  nitrifying  organizations,  its  combination 
with  soda,  and  the  crystallization  of  the  nitrate  have 
been  steadily  proceeding,  until  the  nitrate  fields  of 
Chili  have  become  of  vast  importance,  and  promise 
to  be  of  inestimably  greater  value  in  the  future. 
The  growing  exports  of  nitrate  from  Chili  at  present, 
amount  to  about  1,200,000  tons  annually.' 

"In  carefully  analyzing  this  lesson  from  the  lips 
of  Professor  Crookes,  we  discover  that  the  same 
peculiar  climatic  conditions  which  made  a  Chilian 
desert  so  valuable,  have  been  continuously  at  work 
in  our  great  American  desert  for  a  great  many 
thousands  of  years. 

"For  this  reason,  our  uncounted  acres  of  alkali 
lands,  are  so  rich  with  stores  of  this  valuable  nitro 
genous  compound,  that  by  proper  treatment  they 
may  become  the  most  valuable  wheat-producing  lands 
in  the  world.  The  desert  shall  become  the  source  of 
abundance !  Under  the  transforming  influence  of  a 
generous  water  supply,  forests  shall  spring  up,  and 
fields  of  waving  grain  shall  flourish  around  the  vil 
lage  homes  of  a  happy,  prosperous  people !  Alto 
gether,  we  have  an  empire  of  these  irrigable  lands 
now  worthless,  awaiting  the  transforming  labor  of 
the  homeless  and  landless,  to  restore  them  to  pro 
ductive  fertility. 

"When  thus  restored,  these  lands,  at  the  lowest 
estimate,  will  be  worth  the  enormous  sum  of  two 
billion,  eight  hundred  and  eighty  million  dollars, 
which  in  due  time  may  be  transferred  to  the  credit 
side  of  the  wealth  account  of  the  nation  !  Long  be 
fore  this  available  domain  of  such  vast  possibilities 
has  been  conquered  and  reclaimed,  the  longing  de-' 
sires  of  all  who  wish  for  land,  and  for  agricultural 
lives,  for  themselves  and  their  children,  will  have 


SOLARIS  FARM.  211 

been  most  abundantly  satisfied. 

"In  looking  over  this  broad  field  of  possibilities 
spread  so  temptingly  before  us,  we  are  able  to-  dis 
cover  the  importance  of  the  work  of  tree-planting, 
which  now  demands  our  attention.  Strengthened  by 
concerted  action,  encouraged  by  new  ideas  and  better 
methods  we  become  firm  in  our  convictions,  that  it  is 
an  imperative  duty  for  us  to  continue  the  good  work. 
We  must  increase  the  number  of  our  co-operative 
farms  with  their  tree-planting  schools,  until,  edu 
cated  and  moved  by  the  force  of  so  many  demonstra 
tions,  a  great  majority  of  the  people  of  this  Republic 
shall  demand,  that  the  entire  area  of  the  range  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains  within  our  geographical  limits, 
shall  become  a  permanent,  public  park ;  with  such  a 
wealth  of  territory  and  variety  of  climate,  such 
beauty  of  scenic  grandeur  and  magnitude  of  pictur 
esque  proportions,  as  the  world  never  saw  before. 
This  matchless  reservation  is  to  be  devoted  to  the 
needs  and  uses  of  forestry,  mining,  the  preservation 
of  its  great  variety  of  natural  curiosities,  and  of 
American  Game. 

"In  addition  to  this  Pride-of- the- World-Park,  the 
people  shall  also  demand,  that  all  of  the  most  avail 
able  portions  of  the  mountains  of  the  Pacific  Coast 
Range,  the  Sierra  Nevadas,  the  Alleghenies,  the  Ad- 
irondacks  and  the  White  Mountains,  shall  be  re 
served  by  the  government,  and  set  apart  for  the 
same  uses  and  purposes. 

"With  the  passing  of  this  magnificent  domain  of 
mountain  territory  to  the  permanent  control  of  the 
government,  would  come  the  beginning  of  the  great 
public  forests;  which  would  clothe  with  new  beauty, 
cover  and  protect  in  the  most  useful  manner,  the 
principal  water-sheds  of  our  broad  continental  pos- 


SOLARIS  FARM. 

sessions.  Thus  increasing  to  a  degree  approaching 
perfection,  the  purity  and  abundance  of  the  crystal 
flood,  that  shall  flow  from  a  countless  multitude  of 
new  springs  of  living  water.  The  volume  of  water 
from  these  springs,  shall  furnish  a  supply  sufficient 
to  maintain  with  full  channels,  a  perpetual  flow  in 
that  net-work  of  lakes  and  rivers,  that  arterial 
system  of  fertility  and  commerce,  which  variegates 
and  adorns  the  bright  face  of  our  fair  land. 

"Altogether,  in  considering  the  broad  scope  of 
this  stupendous  plan  as  a  whole,  we  have  before  us 
a  most  important  work,  which  must  be  accomplished! 
A  work  which  affects  the  welfare  and  happiness  of 
every  citizen  of  our  Republic !  A  work  which  is  in 
every  way  worthy  of  our  most  earnest  and  persist 
ent  effort ! 

"This  day,  we  have  made  a  propitious  beginning, 
which  augurs  well  for  success.  Let  us  on  all  occa 
sions  encourage  tree-planting  as  a  sacred  duty 
which  we  owe  to  future  generations  !  A  duty  which 
must  not  be  neglected  !  From  this  time  forward,  let 
us  strive  in  every  way  to  organize  a  broader,  wiser, 
more  powerful  movement !  Carried  forward  by  the 
resistless  force  of  an  enthusiasm  born  of  a  mighty 
purpose  ;  with  strong  hands  and  willing  hearts,  let 
us  undertake  the  speedy  accomplishment  of  our 
chosen  task  !  Let  us  remember  our  responsibilities 
as  immortal  beings  !  Let  us  be  mindful  that  life  on 
this  plane  of  existence  is  very  brief ;  that  an  eter 
nity  of  countless  ages  lies  beyond  !  Therefore  we 
cannot  afford  to  be  selfish  !  Let  us  heed  the  warn 
ing  of  nature's  just  law  of  compensation,  which  de 
clares  that  in  the  higher  life,  selfishness  becomes  a 
torment  in  comparison  with  which  a  crown  of  thorns 
would  seem  a  coveted  blessing  ! 


SOLARIS  FARM. 

"In  our  devotion  to  this  noble  work,  let  us  ignore 
all  unworthy  thoughts  of  self  interest !  Possibly 
we  may  not  as  mortals,  live  long  enough  in  the  ma 
terial  form  to  reap  many  of  the  benefits  that  are  to 
follow.  But,  being  immortal ;  and  having  passed  to 
a  higher  realm,  where  we  are  endowed  with  a  keen 
er,  broader,  mental,  and  spiritual  vision ;  lost  to 
the  sense  of  time  or  physical  pain,  we  may  then  be 
hold  the  results  of  our  work,  in  the  increased  enjoy 
ment  of  our  children  and  our  children's  children ; 
while  the  centuries,  like  moments,  glide  swiftly  by 
and  are  lost  in  the  endless  procession  of  passing 


ages  ! 

<  ( 


Finally,  as  an  additional  source  of  encourage 
ment  to  continue  a  work  which  we  may  not  live  to 
see  mature ;  let  us  consider  carefully  the  significance 
of  the  fact,  that  he  who  causes  two  blades  of  grass 
to  grow  where  only  one  grew  before,  is  counted  a  pub 
lic  benefactor.  Judged  by  the  same  standard,  he  who 
causes  two  trees  to  grow  where  only  one  grew  be 
fore,  is  a  benefactor  of  mankind,  whose  good  works 
shall  earn  for  him  the  blessings  of  a  hundred  gener 
ations  !  By  the  same  logic,  it  surely  follows,  that 
the  people,  who  cause  a  forest  of  trees  to  spring 
from  the  arid  bosom  of  desert  earth,  become  the  dis 
tinguished  benefactors  of  the  human  race,  who  offer 
shade,  shelter,  fuel,  fertility  and  sustenance,  to  a 
thousand  future  generations  !  They  shall  be  thrice 
blessed  !  Having  arisen  to  the  demands  of  a  higher 
life  of  unselfishness,  where  the  solidarity  of  all  life 
is  recognized  as  a  self-evident  truth ;  they  have 
gathered  a  sufficient  store  of  love  and  wisdom  to  ad 
mit  them  to  the  domain  of  causation.  Classed  as 
worthy  workers  in  that  domain,  they  are  entrusted 
by  nature,  with  the  magical  key  which  unlocks  the 


214  SOLARIS  FARM. 

climatic  gate,  to  her  pent  up  floods  of  fertility. 

"In  conclusion,  people  of  Solaris,  I  leave  this 
presentation  of  the  subject  for  your  earnest  con 
sideration  until  the  recurrence  of  our  next  annual 
festival.  During  the  interval,  I  feel  confident  that 
you  will  all  join  me  in  a  closer  study,  of  a  topic  which 
has  already  proved  one  of  such  absorbing  interest, — 
of  such  vast  importance. 

"Thanking  you  for  your  close  attention,  and  for 
the  frequent  applause,  which  has  demonstrated  your 
approval,  I  recommend  that  we  do  now  adjourn,  to 
enjoy  the  waiting  banquet  which  is  to  follow  as  the 
next  order  of  the  day." 


Great  applause  greeted  Fillmore  Flagg  at  the 
close  of  his  oration.  George  Gerrish  arose  and 
paid  a  glowing  tribute  to  the  wisdom  and  eloquence 
of  the  orator ;  after  which,  grasping  him  by  both 
hands,  he  said,  "Fillmore,  I  am  proud  of  you  !  Sol 
aris  is  more  than  proud  of  the  masterful  way  in 
which  you  have  treated  the  entire  subject  !  Your 
presentation  of  the  theme,  seemed  to  me  to  be  so 
perfect,  so  exhaustive  and  eloquent,  that  in  the 
future  I  may  not  expect  to  again  hear  its  equal." 

The  next  moment  Fern  Fenwick  came  forward, 
radiant  in  her  loveliness,  her  beautiful  eyes  shining 
with  emotions  of  love  and  gratified  pride.  In  a  voice, 
whose  clear,  well  modulated  tones,  thrilled  him  as 
no  mus'c  could,  she  said,  "Nobly  done,  Mr.  Flagg  ! 
I  knew  you  would  not  disappoint  me  !  Your  speech 
was  the  most  lovely  poem  in  prose  that  I  have  ever 
heard  !  So  perfectly  charming,  that  I  find  it  far  be 
yond  my  best  words  of  praise  !  In  return  for  such 
an  eloquent  tribute,  the  trees  should  join  in  a  grate- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  215 

ful  anthem  !  You  have  sounded  the  key-note  ;  it  is 
the  evident  destiny  of  co-operative  farming  in  the 
twentieth  century,  to  restore  these  noble  trees  to 
their  rightful  domain. " 

The  banquet,  which  followed  the  oration  proved  a 
great  success.  It  was  really  one  long,  interwoven 
garland  of  witty  speech  and  inspiring  music,  together 
with  the  merry  jingle  and  melodious  crash  of  silver 
and  china.  The  enjoyable  zest  of  the  entertainment, 
was  spiced  and  flavored  with  the  appetizing  aroma 
of  an  abundance  of  delicious,  well -cooked  food. 
Placed  at  the  head  of  the  first  table,  our  hero  and 
heroine  were  at  all  times  the  center  of  attraction; 
the  observed  of  all  observers.  '  'A  handsome  couple, 
evidently  heaven-ordained  for  each  other, "  was  the 
universal  comment. 

The  dance  in  the  evening,  was  fittingly  chosen  as 
the  closing  function  of  this  famous  festival.  In  ar 
ranging  the  program,  Fern  and  Fillmore  were  sel 
ected  by  the  floor  managers  as  the  leading  couple. 
Inspired  by  the  music  of  an  excellent  band  under  the 
leadership  of  Gilbert  Gerrish,  the  assembled  guests 
with  the  vigor  and  enthusiasm-  of  youth  caught  the 
prevailing  spirit  of  merriment,  and  gave  themselves 
up  to  the  fascinating  movement  of  musical  measures. 
Lost  in  the  charm  of  the  mazy  dance,  the  merry 
makers  noted  not  the  flight  of  time.  The  last  num 
ber  on  the  program  came  all  too  soon  for  them. 

Dismissed  by  George  Gerrish,  the  people  of  Sol 
aris  left  the  hall  in  a  joyful  mood.  They  declared 
with  one  accord,  that  the  day  of  the  tree-planting 
festival,  had  proved  the  happiest  one  on  the  farm. 


216  SOLARIS  FARM. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

THE    STORY   OF   GILBERT   GERRISH  ; 

OR, 
THE   STRENGTH   OF   THE   WEAKEST   UNIT. 

To  Gilbert  Gerrish  the  day  of  the  festival  was  one 
long  to  be  remembered  :  a  day  so  laden  with  enjoy 
ment  for  him,  that  all  consciousness  of  his  affliction 
was  blotted  out.  His  musical  genius  was  free  and 
unfettered.  In  such  a  mood,  the  music  he  drew  from 
his  violin  was  more  wonderful  and  entertaining  than 
ever  before.  Fern  Fen  wick  was  astonished  and  de 
lighted.  She  soon  became  so  much  interested,  that 
at  intervals  between  the  dancing,  she  came  upon  the 
platform  to  engage  him  in  conversation.  Grateful 
for  such  marked  attention  from  the  distinguished 
patroness  of  the  farm,  the  natural  shyness  and  re 
ticence  of  the  young  musician,  was  quickly  dispelled. 
To  Fern,  it  was  remarkable  how  eloquently  and  in 
terestingly  he  could  talk  upon  almost  every  topic 
she  chose  to  introduce.  On  the  subject  of  ethical, 
social,  inventive  and  educational  work,  as  exempli 
fied  by  the  different  phases  of  club  life  at  the  farm  ; 
Gilbert  was  at  his  best.  He  spoke  with  such  en 
thusiasm  and  perfect  knowledge  of  details  that  Fern 
Fenwick  was  profoundly  impressed.  She  then  and 
there  determined,  at  the  first  convenient  opportunity, 
to  have  Fillmore  Flagg  relate  to  her  more  in  detail, 
the  many  incidents  connected  with  his  farm  life,  and 
how  this  interesting  boy  had  managed  in  so  short  a 
time,  to  make  himself  such  a  universal  favorite  with 
the  farm  people,  both  old  and  young. 

That  night  before  retiring,  Gilbert  told  his  mother 


SOLARIS  FARM.  217 

in  confidence,  that  Miss  Fenwick  was  the  brightest, 
most  beautiful  and  most  lovable  woman  he  had  ever 
met.  "Tell  me  truly,  Mamma  !  Do  you  think  she  is 
really  in  love  with  Mr.  Flagg?  I  hope  it  may  be 
true  !  For  I  know  he  deserves  to  win  the  love  of  the 
best  and  most  charming  woman  that  ever  was  born!" 

While  this  confidential  interview  between  mother 
and  son  was  in  progress,  Fern  and  Fillmore  were 
speaking  of  Gilbert  in  such  a  way,  that  if  overheard 
by  Gertrude  Gerrish  it  would  have  stirred  the  pride 
in  her  mother  heart. 

"I  declare,  Fillmore!"  said  Fern,  "to  my  mind  that 
clever  lad,  Gilbert  Gerrish,  is  one  of  the  most 
astonishing  products  of  Solaris  Farm  !  You  have 
promised  to  tell  me  the  story  of  his  life  here  on  the 
farm.  I  am  now  ready  to  hear  it.  At  the  festival 
dance  I  had  an  opportunity  to  engage  him  in  con 
versation,  and  the  good  fortune  to  so  win  his  con 
fidence,  that  he  could  talk  to  me  without  embarass- 
ment.  It  was  then  that  I  discovered  what  a  brilliant 
intellectual  prodigy,  eloquent  talker,  skilled  musi 
cian,  and  cultured  artist  he  really  was.  There  is 
something  mysterious  about  his  strong,  intellectual, 
spiritual  nature,  which  has  aroused  my  interest  in 
him,  and  my  sympathy  for  him,  to  a  degree  that  is 
very  unusual  for  me.  The  more  I  know  of  him  the 
more  I  wish  to  win  his  friendship. 

"What  a  terrible  misfortune,  that  he  is  so  afflicted 
by  the  deformity  of  that  spinal  trouble  !  I  cannot 
help  picturing  him  as  possessed  of  a  physique  in 
harmony  with  his  glorious  intellectual  and  spiritual 
unfoldment.  How  naturally  then,  he  could  win  the 
love  of  some  equally  gifted,  noble  woman.  How 
happy  they  could  make  each  other  through  the  pass 
ing  changes  of  a  long  and  useful  life.  Aside  from 


218  SOLARIS  FARM. 

my  speculative  fancies,  I  do  wonder  what  the  future 
has  in  store  for  him  ?  How  bravely  he  bears  him 
self  !  He  does  not  seem  inclined  to  be  gloomy  or 
misanthropical  under  the  burden  of  his  misfortune!" 

"I  think,  my  dear  Fern,  that  my  story  will  un 
ravel  the  mystery.  I  am  delighted  to  find  that  you 
have  already  become  interested  in  Gilbert,  and  have 
discovered  so  many  of  his  good  qualities  !  I  can  as 
sure  you  that  he  is  worthy  of  your  sympathy  and 
friendship  !  He  is  a  noble  fellow  !  Richly  endowed, 
with  a  remarkable,  intuitive,  spiritual  nature  !  His 
enthusiasm,  persevering  efforts  and  ingenious  de 
vices,  have  contributed  much  towards  the  success 
of  this  co-operative  farm.  The  value  and  variety  of 
his  especial  work  in  the  department  of  experimental 
farming,  has  proved  his  extraordinary  ability,  and 
justly  earned  for  him  the  title  of  the  'wonder  worker 
of  the  farm  !' 

"On  account  of  Gilbert's  frail  form  and  sensitive 
nature,  it  was  deemed  wise  by  his  ever  watchful 
parents,  to  give  him  the  protection  of  an  isolated 
home  life.  For  this  purpose,  a  cozy  cottage  was 
built  in  the  center  of  its  own  grounds,  some  distance 
away  from  all  other  buildings.  This  cottage  was 
charmingly  fitted  and  furnished  in  such  style  and 
taste  as  would  satisfy  the  artistic  ideas  of  this 
domestic  trio,  and  at  the  same  time,  afford  quiet, 
retired,  spacious  rooms,  for  Gilbert's  musical  and 
other  studies.  Rooms  where  violin  and  piano  prac 
tice,  at  any  hour  that  might  suit  his  fancy,  could 
disturb  no  one. 

'  'Referring  to  that  haunting  desire  which  impresses 
you  to  picture  Gilbert  as  possessing  a  magnificent 
physique,  in  harmony  with  his  brilliant,  mental  and 
spiritual  unfoldment;  I  accept  it  as  another  proof  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  219 

the  growth  of  his  spiritual  body  to  the  beautiful 
proportions  you  seem  to  see.  All  psychics  who 
come  within  the  radius  of  his  powerful,  spiritual 
aura,  sense  or  see  this  strong  symmetrical  body. 
His  affectionate  and  emotional  nature  is  beautifully 
developed.  No  one  can  appreciate  the  graces  and 
charms  of  a  refined,  beautiful  woman  more  keenly 
than  Gilbert  Gerrish  !  Yet,  I  know,  that  in  this 
life,  he  does  not  for  one  moment,  even  dream  of  a 
possible  marriage  with  any  woman.  He  is  loyally 
devoted  to  his  spiritual  ideal ! 

"For  many  months,  I  have  been  to  Gilbert  a 
trusted  friend  and  confidential  companion.  In  this 
capacity,  I  have  learned  his  story  of  the  hidden 
romance  of  his  young  life.  This  story  I  will  repeat 
to  you  as  an  illustration  of  the  high  order  of  his 
boyish  character.  It  cannot  fail  to  increase  both 
your  admiration  and  your  respect,  for  this  youthful 
devotee  at  the  shrine  of  love. 

"When  Gilbert  was  ten  years  old,  while  attending 
school  at  St.  Louis,  he  became  acquainted  with  Rita 
Estelle  Ringwood.  She  was  in  many  ways  a  re 
markable  girl ;  only  two  months  younger  than  Gil 
bert.  Tall  and  straight,  with  a  well  rounded  figure, 
already  as  large  as  a  maid  of  fourteen,  Rita  gave 
promise  of  an  early  development  into  a  lovely  woman. 
With  a  large,  finely  formed  head,  crowned  by  a  lux 
uriant  growth  of  soft,  thick,  wavy,  chestnut  hair; 
a  smooth,  creamy  complexion,  pleasing  features, 
firm  mouth  and  well  rounded  chin;  large,  full,  soft, 
brown  eyes,  unusually  expressive  ;  a  strong,  well 
turned  white  throat  and  neck,  symmetrical  shoulders, 
perfectly  formed  hands  and  feet ;  and  a  well  poised, 
graceful  carriage,  she  appeared  to  Gilbert  as  some 
divine  creature.  From  the  first  moment  of  meeting, 


220  SOLARIS  FARM. 

a  strong  bond  of  mutual  attraction  drew  them  to 
gether.  If  kept  long  apart,  both  became  nervous 
and  restless.  When  again  united,  they  were  quickly 
at  peace  with  themselves  and  all  the  world.  By  a 
strange  coincidence,  as  it  transpired  ;  Rita's  parents 
lived  in  a  house  just  across  the  street,  almost  in  the 
front  of  the  one  occupied  by  the  Gerrish  family. 
Through  the  children,  the  parents  soon  became  inti 
mate  friends.  As  Gilbert  had  never  cared  to  play 
with  boys  of  his  own  age,  either  on  the  streets  or  at 
school,  it  was  natural  under  the  circumstances,  that 
he  should  devote  himself  entirely  to  Rita,  as  the 
only  congenial  playmate  he  had  ever  known.  Very 
soon,  as  a  consequence,  the  twain  were  almost  al 
ways  together,  either  in  one  home  or  the  other. 
They  read  or  studied  from  the  same  book,  often 
pausing  to  discuss  some  question  of  more  than  usual 
interest.  In  music,  they  had  the  same  tastes,  the 
same  predominating  passion  for  it.  Gilbert  soon 
taught  Rita  to  use  the  violin;  while  Rita  in  turn 
taught  Gilbert  to  play  the  piano.  Each  could  then 
alternate,  in  playing  violin  accompaniments  to  piano 
music.  Much  practice  soon  enabled  these  artistic 
children,  to  render  such  duets  with  thrilling  effect. 
In  so  delightful  an  occupation,  hours  passed  swift 
ly  by.  A  series  of  selections  were  chosen  for  even 
ing  concerts.  The  parents  were  called  in  to  en 
joy  them.  In  the  eyes  of  the  parents,  both  children 
were  manifestly  helpful  to  each  other.  Rita  never 
seemed  to  notice  Gilbert's  misshapen  body.  She 
evidently  responded,  only  to  impressions  emanat 
ing  from  his  more  perfect  and  dominant,  spirit 
ual  body.  Gilbert  was  conscious  of  this  fact,  and 
always  seemed  at  ease  in  her  presence.  As  the 
months  flew  swiftly  by;  these  strange  children  grew 


SOLARIS  FARM.  221 

more  devotedly  fond  of  each  other.  Three  summers 
had  witnessed  the  growing  together  of  these  two 
harmoniously  attuned  souls. 

'  'The  day  following  Gilbert's  thirteenth  birthday, 
he  was  depressed  by  some  overshadowing  cloud  of 
sadness.  He  could  not  explain  it,  nor,  could  he  throw 
it  off.  The  sequel  came  the  following  week,  when  a 
great  wave  of  pestilence,  in  the  form  of  malignant 
typhoid  fever,  swept  over  the  city.  It  claimed  Rita 
as  one  of  its  first  victims. 

.  "Heart  broken  !  Rita's  parents  hastily  returned  to 
New  York,  where,  surrounded  by  early  associations, 
they  vainly  and  hopelessly  struggled  to  forget  their 
terrible  bereavement. 

*  'To  Gilbert,  the  shock  was  frightful !  His  parents, 
George  and  Gertrude  Gerrish  were  alarmed.  They 
feared  for  his  life !  He  wandered  about  with  dry, 
staring  eyes,  like  one  in  a  trance.  He  could  not 
weep !  For  days,  he  could  neither  eat  nor  drink ! 
At  last,  came  the  crisis !  Reason  seemed  about  to 
leave  her  throne  !  Then  it  happened,  that  Gilbert 
grew  strangely  calm  and  hopeful. 

'  'In  a  few  short  days  the  improvement  was  magic 
al.  His  beautiful  eyes  shone  with  the  fires  of  new  in 
spiration  !  Questioned  by  his  parents,  he  assured 
them  that  Rita  still  lived.  He  knew  that  she  was 
not  dead !  Clairvoyantly,  he  had  seen  her,  more 
beautiful  than  ever.  Clairaudiently,  he  had  heard, 
over  and  over  again,  the  sweet  familiar  tones  of  her 
voice.  All  this  through  his  own  medium  ship  and 
more  besides.  Controlling  his  hand  and  arm,  in  her 
own  identical  hand-writing,  she  had  written  to  him 
long  messages  filled  with  loving  consolation,  bidding 
him  look  hopefully  forward  to  a  happy  reunion  in 
the  land  of  the  spirit,  the  home  of  the  soul !  Almost 


222  SOLARIS  FARM. 

nightly  in  dreams,  she  came  to  him,  when  for  hap 
py  hours  they  were  again  united  in  the  enjoyment  of 
the  old  familiar  companionship,  so  dear  to  his  waking 
memories. 

1  'Through  Gilbert's  mediumshipfhis  parents  be 
came  spiritualists.  This  happened  some  months  be 
fore  I  visited  them  in  St.  Louis,  on  my  first  trip  west, 
from  Newburgh.  Some  months  later,  th^  family 
came  to  Solaris. 

"In  a  recent  conversation,  speaking  to  me  of  his 
life  work,  his  hopes  and  his  ambitions,  Gilbert  said  : 
'Fillmore,  I  know  that  my  life  here  will  be  short. 
I  know  that  I  have  a  work  to  do  here  on  this  farm, 
for  the  future  benefit  of  my  brothers  and  sisters  in 
earth  life.  I  know  that  in  spirit  life,  Rita  waits  for 
me  to  join  her,  when  that  work  is  finished.  I  now 
realize  that  swiftly  passing  days,  weeks,  mont^-and 
years,  are  precious  portions  of  time  which  I  must 
improve  to  the  utmost.  I  know  that  this  primary 
school  of  life  has  many  useful  lessons,  which  I  must 
master  as  quickly  as  possible.  I  know  that  the  sooner 
they  are  mastered,  the  sooner  I  shall  be  prepared 
to  enter  a  higher  class  in  spirit  life.  I  know  that  as 
a  spirit,  in  that  land  of  golden  sunlight,  freed  from 
the  burden  of  this  unsightly  prison  of  flesh,  I  shall 
be  clothed  in  a  spiritual  body  as  symmetrically  per 
fect  as  my  highest  ideal  can  picture.  I  know  that 
thus  clothed,  and  crowned  with  the  perpetual  youth 
of  the  spirit ;  I  shall  again  be  united  with  my  darling 
Rita,  never  more,  to  part.  Together,  in  obedience  to 
the  law  of  an  infinite  love,  we  shall  go  hand  in  hand, 
up  the  paths  of  wisdom  which  lead  to  the  summits  of 
the  hills  of  everlasting  progress.  I  know  that  dur 
ing  my  sojourn  here,  when  I  am  weary  afta<J  vmos^ 
need  the  healing  balm  of  her  presence,  my  Rita  can 


SOLARIS  FARM.  223 

come  to  cheer  and  help  me.  Knowing  all  this,  life  is 
full  of  promise  !  I  have  no  time  to  be  sad  or  lonely  ! 
Thje  'world  is  bright !  I  am  ambitious  to  make  its 
people  my  friends,  by  creating  for  them,  better  and 
brighter*  conditions  for  the  enjoyment  of  life.' 

'  *  iftis,  my  dear  Fern  !  is  the  romance,  which  like 
some  secret  charm,  Gilbert  wears  *m  his  heart.  His 
armor  against  all  evil !  The  bright  star  of  his  am 
bition  •!.  The  beacon  light  of  his  hope  ! " 

'  *  The  romance  is  indeed  a  most  extraordinary  one  ! 
The  story  is  exquisitely  beautiful !  Its  pathos  fills  my 
heart  with  b&fch  joy  and  sadness  !  In  the  develop 
ment  of  his  mediumship,  following  his  bereavement, 
how  like  my  own,  has  been  his  experience !  This 
explains  my  sympathetic1 -desire  for  .fiis  friendship. 
What  a  noble  fellow  he  is  !  I  shall  be  proud  to  claim 
him  ^  my  friend  !  Now  Fillmore,  you  must  tell  me 
of  Jjus"  work  for  the  farm.f  I  am  anxious  to  know 
more  of  the  peculiar  methods  of  this  inspired  genius. " 

1  'Very  well !  JLn  the  center  of  the  large  garden  at 
the  rear  of  the  G-errish  cottage,  is  a  roomy  workshop, 
built  for  Gilbert's  sole  use  and. occupancy.  Alone  in 
this  shop,  he  has  mapped  out  for  himself  such  a 
course  of  study,  experimental  work,  and  industrial 
amusement,  as  might  suit  the  fancy  of  his  swiftly 
changing  moods ;  or  conform  to  the  passing  whims 
of  his  busy  brain.  To  the  combined  interests  of  Sol 
aris  farm,  he  is  intensely  devoted.  To  keep  a  realis 
tic  picture  of  the  farm  always  in  his  mind,  he  has 
drawn  an  immense  map,  large  enough  to  completely 
cover  the  wall  space  on  one  side  of  the  shop.  He 
subdivided,  colored  and  named  the  subdivisions  on 
the  map,  after  a  bold,  brilliant  scheme  of  his  own. 
The  result  is  a  matter  of  astonishment  to  all  be- 
Jiolders.  The  map  seems  to  possess  some  charm  of 


224  SOLARIS  FARM. 

attraction,  which  no  one  can  explain.  On  each  sub 
division  from  time  to  time,  Gilbert  has  tacked  cards 
filled  with  finely  written  notes,  setting  forth  from 
his  own  standpoint,  a  history  of  the  subdivision,  its 
peculiarities,  and  capabilities  of  the  different  soils ; 
character  of  crops  and  fertilizers,  together  with 
such  suggestions  for  perfection  or  improvement,  as 
his  thorough  knowledge  of  chemistry  might  deter 
mine  ;  or  his  keen,  analytical,  observation  of  the  crops 
produced,  might  indicate. 

"This  map  of  itself,  is  a  most  valuable  work;  in 
volving  an  immense  amount  of  intelligent,  skillful 
labor  ;  also  much  study  of  chemistry,  and  of  horti 
cultural  and  agricultural  authorities.  As  an  indica 
tion  of  our  appreciation  of  its  value,  this  map  has 
been  taken  as  a  suggestive  model  for  the  completion 
of  those  made  and  kept  by  the  clerical  force  em 
ployed  in  the  farm  office. 

"On  the  south  side  of  his  shop,  two  large  doors 
open  into  a  roomy,  glass-roofed  hot  house,  con 
taining  a  very  unique  collection  of  potted  plants, 
which,  under  the  skillful  hands  of  this  young  en 
thusiast,  are  undergoing  the  different  stages  of  ex 
perimental  treatment,  such  as  he  may  deem  nec 
essary,  to  prove  or  disprove  his  many  pet  theories 
or  fancies,  in  regard  to  care,  growth,  insect  enemies, 
and  to  application  of  electric  light,  sun  light,  heat, 
moisture  and  fertilizers.  Each  plant  bears  a  fruit 
ful  crop  of  cards,  giving  a  summary  of  results  and 
conclusions.  Each  one  of  these  cards  may  contain, 
in  skeleton  form,  the  subject  matter  of  a  brief  essay, 
brimful  of  valuable  suggestions  and  interesting 
statements.  Sooner  or  later,  these  essays,  signed 
'Experimenter,'  are  liable  to  find  their  way  into  the 
contribution  box  at  the  door  of  the  Press  Club. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  225 

"Gilbert's  collection  of  birds  and  insects,  forms 
another  interesting  feature  of  his  industrial  museum. 
These  collections  were  made,  arranged  and  classi 
fied,  in  order  to  afford  opportunities  for  making  a 
careful  study  of  the  insect  enemies  of  his  plants, 
and  also  to  discover  what  birds  were  most  destruct 
ive  to  the  different  insects.  The  birds  he  kept  in 
cages;  the  insects  in  glass-covered  boxes. 

"The  care  of  these  things,  and  the  time  and  labor 
necessary  to  collect,  classify  and  arrange  them, 
would  to  most  people,  prove  a  grievous  burden.  To 
Gilbert,  it  was  simply  another  mode  of  recreation 
and  amusement.  On  the  live  insects,  he  tried  the 
effects  of  such  chemicals  as  might  destroy  them 
without  injury  to  the  growing  plants.  To  his  caged 
birds,  Gilbert  fed  his  bugs,  worms  and  moths,  care 
fully  noting  the  kinds  they  most  eagerly  swallowed. 
His  conclusions  were  always  briefly  written  out. 
They  proved  a  perfect  mine  of  valuable  information, 
to  be  used  in  perfecting  better  methods  for  farm 
culture. 

"Aside  from  this  kind  of  work;  in  the  departments 
of  his  shop  devoted  to  experiments  with  clays,  mica, 
soils,  minerals  and  the  various  powers,  attractions 
and  affinities  of  electricity,  his  constructive  ideation 
and  inspired  mentality,  always  gave  him  an  excel 
lent  crop  of  good  results.  Altogether,  such  su 
perior  work,  carried  forward  in  his  own  unique  way, 
has  added  many  hundreds  of  dollars  to  the  annual 
income  of  the  farm.  In  the  department  of  experi 
mental  farming,  as  I  have  before  stated,  his  work 
has  proved  most  brilliant  and  helpful ;  generally 
leading  to  the  adoption  of  many  improved  methods 
for  successfully  selecting,  planting  and  growing  these 
new  crops. 


226  SOLARIS   FARM. 

"Considered  as  a  whole,  such  a  variety  of  valu 
able  contributions  have  convinced  our  people,  that 
physically  speaking,  one  of  the  farm's  weakest  units, 
under  the  fostering  development  of  co-operative  or 
ganization,  is  capable  of  becoming  one  of  its  most 
valued  productive  workers.  The  wonder  of  it  all, 
is,  that  Gilbert  is  able  to  accomplish  such  important 
results,  while  following  a  scheme  he  has  devised  as 
a  source  of  personal  diversion  ! 

"Turning  to  Gilbert's  intellectual,  artistic  and 
esthetic  life,  we  discover  that  this  gifted  boy  finds 
the  same  source  of  comfort  and  amusement  in  his 
devotion  to  the  art  of  music.  In  this  branch  of 
accomplishments,  you,  my  dear  Fern  !  have  had  oc 
casion  to  observe  how  important  a  factor  he  has  be 
come,  in  organized  social  life  at  Solaris.  He  is  such 
a  general  favorite,  that  without  an  effort,  he  has 
been  able  to  so  impress  the  strong  individuality  of 
his  noble  character  upon  the  minds  of  our  farm 
people,  that  the  effect  for  good  has  been  truly 
wonderful !" 

* '  This  is  exceedingly  interesting,  Fillrnore  !  How 
charmed  I  am  with  your  completed  story  of  this 
marvelously  gifted  boy!  All  that  you  have  told  me 
about  Gilbert,  only  seems  to  confirm  my  previous 
convictions,  that  he  is  really  one  of  the  most  astonish 
ing  products  of  Solaris  farm  !  No  wonder  he  is  such 
a  general  favorite  !  He  has  nobly  earned  the  title  ! 
With  such  intelligence  and  genius,  possessed,  em 
bodied  and  expressed  by  its  weaker  units;  is  it  any 
cause  for  wonder,  that  the  success  of  Solaris  as  a 
co-operative  colony,  is  so  pronounced  ?" 


SOLARIS  FARM.  227 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

OUR    HERO    AND   HEROINE   DISCUSS    AGRICULTURAL 
STATISTICS. 

ON  THE  day  following  the  festival,  we  find  Fill- 
more  Flagg  in  the  office  of  the  farm,  going  over  the 
books  of  the  company  with  Fern  Fenwick.  To  most 
women,  such  a  task  would  soon  prove  unbearably 
monotonous  and  tiresome.  However,  she  neither  grew 
restless  or  inattentive.  At  all  times  on  the  alert  to 
note  each  new  point  of  interest ;  her  questions  on 
every  subject  indicated  a  remarkably  intelligent  con 
ception  of  the  general  plan  of  the  work.  Finally, 
having  satisfied  herself  that  she  understood  the 
status  of  the  farm  well  enough  to  enable  her  to  pro 
pound  her  list  of  queries  in  the  proper  order,  and  in 
such  a  manner,  as  would  most  successfully  bring  to 
her  the  information  she  wished  to  obtain  :  with  note 
book  in  hand,  she  commenced  by  saying:  "Now 
Fillmore,  I  am  ready  to  take  up  my  series  of  questions 
about  Solaris,  which  you  have  kindly  consented  to 
answer.  I  promise  in  advance  to  be  good;  to  try 
to  refrain  from  untimely  interruptions,  by  asking  a 
host  of  irrelevant  questions  at  inopportune  moments  ! 

"First,  I  wish  you  would  tell  me  just  what  is  rep 
resented  by  the  one  thousand  shares  of  capital  stock, 
of  the  Solaris  Farm  Company  ?  " 

"The  corporation,  as  you  know,  is  so  limited," 
said  Fillmore,  "that  the  land  cannot  be  sold,  and  the 
stock  can  only  be  sold  to  the  Company;  nevertheless, 
the  original  cost  of  the  land  is  covered  by  the  stock. 
The  entire  capitalization  of  $250,000,  which  I  think 
will  fairly  represent  the  financial  status  of  the  farm 


228  SOLARIS  FARM. 

at  the  end  of  the  first  five  years,  is  divided  as  fol 
lows  : 

Purchase  price  of  land $  32,000 

Improvements 68,000 

Buildings 100,000 

Live  stock,  equipment  and  machinery 50,000 


1250,000 

Of  the  last  named  item,  about  125,000  is  estimated 
for  machinery.  However,  this  amount  does  not  fully 
represent  its  real  value.  In  many  instances,  it  only 
gives  the  actual  cost  of.  the  raw  material  used  in  con 
struction.  This  capitalization  does  not  seem  so 
large,  when  we  consider  the  small  individual  hold 
ings.  Having  a  par  value  of  $250  a  share,  we  have 
only  $500,  in  the  two  shares,  for  each  one  of  the  five 
hundred  co-operators.  I  think  it  has  been  wisely 
determined  by  a  majority  vote,  that  as  the  resources 
of  the  farm  continue  to  develop  and  mature,  the  in 
crease  of  profits  shall  come  to  the  individual  stock 
holder  in  the  shape  of  larger  wages,  instead  of  by 
dividends  on  stock.  Although  this  is  not  a  money- 
making  institution,  and  was  not  so  intended  from  the 
beginning ;  a  fact  properly  emphasized  by  the  fore 
going.  Yet,  by  the  way  of  arriving  at  some  estimate 
of  its  future  value,  I  feel  safe  in  predicting,  that,  if 
the  stock  should  be  offered  in  the  markets  of  the 
world,  and  dividends  declared  in  the  usual  way, 
twenty  years  hence,  these  certificates  of  stock  would 
be  worth  $1,500  per  share.  In  other  words,  would 
have  doubled  in  value  six  times  during  that  period." 

"Judging  by  what  I  already  know  of  the  farm  and 
its  resources,"  said  Fern,  "I  quite  agree  with  you  in 
this  view  of  the  matter. 

* '  In  considering  the  future  needs  of  such  a  large 


SOLARIS  FARM.  229 

number  of  co-operators,  which  in  ten  years  may  be 
increased  by  pensioners  and  children,  to  one  thous 
and  people  ;  do  you  think  this  farm  is  large  enough 
to  meet  the  demand  ?" 

"For  the  purpose  in  view  it  is  ample,"  said  Fill- 
more.  "Operated  in  connection  with  so  many  allied 
industries,  I  think  a  farm  of  5,000  acres  would  be 
sufficient.  That  would  be  ten  acrts  for  each  one. 
Here  in  Solaris,  we  have  12  8-10  acres  of  land  for 
every  adult  member  of  the  company.  By  carrying 
the  process  of  intensive  farming  to  a  very  high  state 
of  perfection ;  Prof.  Grandeau,  at  Capelle,  France, 
has  actually  demonstrated,  that  it  is  possible  to 
grow  8  1-2  bushels  of  wheat — one  man's  bread  food 
for  the  year — on  one-twentieth  part  of  an  acre  of 
land.  Armed  with  so  many  advantages,  with  better 
conditions,  superior  methods,  and  more  intelligent 
workers  ;  I  feel  sure  we  can  easily  accomplish  here, 
all  that  Grandeau  has  done  in  France,  and  more. 
Besides,  you  must  remember,  that  we  shall  have  the 
additional  support  of  quite  a  large  number  of  profit 
able  industries,  to  help  us  in  meeting  the  demands 
of  an  increased  number  of  consumers. " 

"That  sounds  logical  and  reasonable,"  said  Fern. 
"I  now  remember,  that  while  traveling  in  Europe 
with  my  father,  gathering  agricultural  statistics  : 
the  Capelle  experiments  were  brought  to  our  atten 
tion  at  that  time,  as  worthy  of  careful  consideration. 
I  am  greatly  pleased  to  know  that  you  are  already 
familiar  with  them.  To  continue  the  subject,  I  wish 
to  say  that  I  am  much  impressed  with  the  outlook 
for  intensive  farming  at  Solaris.  Aided  by  the  won 
derful  power  of  applied  co-operative  thinking,  com 
bined  with  your  careful  and  comprehensive  system 
of  book-keeping,  which  embraces  every  field  and  do- 


230  SOLARIS  FARM. 

partment  of  the  farm  !  I  believe  that  ten  years 
hence,  you  will  be  able  to  give  to  the  world,  some 
very  valuable  statistics  on  the  whole  subject  of  farm 
ing,  both  intensive  and  diversified. 

"  I  have  noticed  with  an  unusual  degree  of  inter 
est,  the  apparently  lavish  use  of  electric  power  in 
operating  the  factory  works  and  farm  machinery. 
I  am  really  quite  curious  to  know  just  how  it  is  gen 
erated." 

"That  is  a  very  large  question.!"  said  Fillmore. 
"At  different  times  since  the  commencement  of  our 
work,  we  have  used  three  methods  for  generating 
electricity.  First,  the  old  fashioned  steam  dynamo. 
Second,  the  direct  conversion  of  coal  into  electricity. 
Third,  the  gathering  of  great  quantities  of  this 
subtle  force  from  the  atmosphere,  through  a  certain 
vibratory  action,  set  up  by  intense  concentration  of 
the  sun's  rays.  As  a  result  of  a  vast  deal  of  co 
operative  thinking  and  careful  experimentation  ;  the 
last  named  process,  has  been  so  perfected  and  cheap 
ened,  as  to  entirely  supersede  the  first  two.  The 
powerful  batteries  of  Solaris  concentrators,  which 
you  see  around  the  power-house,  and  at  various 
points  on  the  farm,  are  important  factors  in  this 
work.  I  confess,  that  I  am  rather  proud  of  the  re 
markable  success,  which  we  have  achieved  in  this 
line  of  invention.  When  I  gave  a  title  to  the  farm,  I 
had  a  premonition,  that  solar  heat  and  force  would 
be  so  successfully  harnessed  to  both  industrial  and 
agricultural  work,  that  the  suggestive  name  of  Sol 
aris,  would  soon  become  as  famous,  as  it  was  fitting 
and  well  earned. 

"In  applying  this  power  to  all  kinds  of  farm  and 
factory  work,  we  have  succeeded  far  beyond  my 
most  sanguine  expectations.  With  a  plant  almost 


SOLARIS  FARM. 

entirely  built  by  our  own  co-operative  labor,  we  are 
able  to  generate  an  abundance  of  cheap  power, 
which  can  be  easily  and  safely  conducted  to  the 
most  distant  portions  of  the  farm.  This  power  is 
readily  available  at  any  desired  point,  and  for  all 
kinds  of  work  ;  becoming  the  magic  motor  by  which 
we  operate  trains  of  trolley  cars,  for  handling  grain, 
hay,  corn  and  all  heavy  crops  ;  great  gang-plows, 
rollers,  harrows,  cultivators,  planters,  drills,  reap 
ers,  threshers  and  motor  wagons  ;  all  so  perfectly 
constructed  and  so  easily  controlled ;  that  with  them 
a  woman,  fittingly  dressed  and  gloved,  protected 
from  the  heat  of  the  sun  by  a  canopy,  comfortably 
seated  on  cushions  and  springs,  may  accomplish  the 
roughest  and  heaviest  kind  of  farm  work,  without 
fatigue  or  discomfort.  In  fact,  our  women  soon  find 
it  the  most  delightfully,  fascinating  work  on  the 
farm. 

"In  connection  with  such  a  powerful  motor,  a 
single  person,  operating  one  of  these  improved  agri 
cultural  machines,  can  do  an  amount  of  work  in  six 
hours,  which  under  the  old  system  would  require 
ten  hours  of  severe  toil  by  six  men  and  twelve 
horses.  Of  course,  such  machinery  can  only  be  pro 
duced  and  operated  by  large  co-operative  farms  like 
this  ;  with  a  carefully  chosen  force  of  co-operators, 
who  are  thinkers  as  well  as  workers;  who  are  intel 
lectually,  physically  and  socially  prepared  to  invent 
and  construct  machines  that  are  perfectly  fitted  to 
do  this  particular  kind  of  work. " 

"Really!"  said  Fern,  "this  is  as  interesting  as  it 
is  remarkable  !  This  sun-generated  force,  this  mag 
ic  motor,  so  perfectly  adjusted  to  agricultural  work, 
under  the  test  of  practical  use  ;  which  has  proved 
so  easily  controlled ;  together  with  the  tireless  host 


232  SOLARIS  FARM. 

of  wonder-working  machines,  which  this  force  has 
called  into  being ;  is  truly  a  marvel  worthy  of  the 
twentieth  century  ! 

"Tell  me,  Fillmore  !  Why  is  it  that  these  things 
have  not  been  done  before  ?" 

"There  are  many  reasons.  I  think  I  can  give 
you  the  principal  one.  From  a  remote  period  of 
time,  a  large  majority  of  the  people  of  this  planet 
have  gained  a  living  by  following  agricultural  pur 
suits.  Bowed  down  under  the  weight  of  severe  toil, 
hopeless  under  the  pressure  of  a  belief,  that  labor 
was  a  curse  which  they  might  not  seek  to  escape ; 
confined  by  ignorance  to  a  narrow  sphere  of  action, 
which  kept  them  from  looking  upward  and  outward  ; 
it  is  not  strange,  that  so  many  passing  generations 
of  these  people,  should  never  once  dream  of  adopting 
a  series  of  progressive  changes  for  the  betterment 
of  their  condition. 

"Such  people  were  incapable  of  understanding, 
that,  in  order  to  secure  the  best  and  most  successful 
results  from  agricultural  work,  it  requires  a  system 
atic  application  of  the  highest  order  of  brain  work : 
that  this  brain  work,  must  inspire  a  harmonious 
collection  of  trained,  muscular  workers,  operating 
under  the  most  favorable  conditions.  By  the  way  of 
a  contrast,  how  helpless  were  the  lives  of  these  farm 
ers  !  As  a  rule  they  worked  under  the  most  dis 
couraging  conditions,  distrustful  and  envious,  un 
educated  and  narrow  minded ;  how  could  they  be  pre 
pared  to  comprehend  that  basic  law  of  progress, 
which  is  embodied  in  the  idea  of  unselfish  co-opera 
tion? 

"For  these  reasons,  co-operative  thinking  and  co 
operative  farming,  have  not  heretofore  been  success 
fully  combined.  Here  and  now,  in  the  first  decade 


SOLARIS  FARM.  233 

of  the  twentieth  century,  a  few  unselfish  souls,  the 
advance  guard  of  the  coming  army,  responding  to 
the  pressure  of  progressive  evolution,  have  risen  to 
such  intellectual  heights  as  has  enabled  them  to  dis 
cover,  that  by  the  aid  of  a  harmonious  union  of 
thought  and  labor,  a  collection  of  people,  working 
the  soil  unselfishly  together,  can  easily  attain  results 
which,  the  most  brilliant  individual  effort,  armed 
with  the  wealth  of  a  millionaire,  could  never  hope  to 
accomplish.  Inspired  with  this  idea,  the  people  of 
Solaris,  as  pioneers  in  the  work,  are  striving  earnest 
ly  to  demonstrate  the  absolute  success  of  co-operative 
farming." 

"  What  I  have  seen  with  my  own  eyes,  I  know  as 
a  verity!"  said  Fern,  enthusiastically.  "Therefore 
I  feel  like  shouting  in  the  ears  of  our  people :  Well 
done,  good  and  faithful  servants  in  the  cause  of  pro 
gress  !  The  victory  is  already  won  !  It  is  yours  ! 

"Your  explanation  of  the  cause  of  the  late  coming 
of  practical  co-operation  in  agriculture,  appeals  to 
my  mind,  as  a  very  clear  one.  That  the  ignorance 
and  selfishness  of  the  individual,  has  from  the  begin 
ning,  proved  the  real  obstacle,  is  now  quite  plain  to 
me. 

'  *  However,  returning  to  my  list  of  questions.  How 
is  it,  that  the  fields  and  cultivated  grounds  at  Sol 
aris,  are  so  free  from  weeds  ?  " 

1  'Ah  ! "  said  Fillmore.  ' '  The  answer  to  that  quest 
ion,  is  another  argument  in  favor  of  co-operative 
farming.  Weeds  have  always  been  counted  by  farm 
ers,  as  among  the  worst  of  the  pests  which  they 
have  been  obliged  to  contend  with.  Under  the  most 
adverse  conditions,  weeds  will  grow,  flourish,  and 
ripen  an  appalling  quantity  of  seed ;  where  all  useful 
plants  will  languish  and  finally  perish.  To  keep 


234  SOLARIS  FARM. 

them  down,  is  a  task  which  requires  a  great  deal  of 
hard  work.  To  destroy  them,  root  and  branch,  is  a 
problem  which  has  occupied  the  minds  of  our  people 
for  the  past  thirty  months.  After  much  thoughtful 
work,  we  have  reached  a  solution. 

"During  the  period  of  frost,  from  the  first  of  De 
cember  to  the  first  of  March,  the  weedy  ground  is 
thoroughly  stirred  several  times.  After  each  stir 
ring,  the  ground  is  swept  by  a  broad  stream  of  con 
centrated  heat-rays — both  light  and  dark.  These 
rays  are  generated  by  a  number  of  batteries  of  Sol 
aris  mirrors,  or  great  sun  glasses.  This  operation 
soon  warms  the  ground  and  causes  the  weeds  to  put 
forth  a  tender  growth.  After  such  a  growth,  a  week 
of  frosty  weather  kills  it  down.  This  process  is  re 
peated  until  the  weeds  are  all  gone.  When  the  nec 
essary  frosts  do  not  appear,  or  when  the  work  is 
carried  on  during  warmer  weather,  a  scorching  from 
the  sun  glasses,  kills  the  weeds  even  more  effectively 
than  frost.  In  this  way  the  cultivated  ground  on  the 
farm,  has  been  entirely  freed  from  weeds.  As  a  re 
sult,  the  yield  of  crops  has  been  largely  increased, 
while  the  labor  of  cultivation  has  been  correspond 
ingly  reduced.  That  back- aching  work  of  hoeing, 
has  been  almost  entirely  dispensed  with.  Machine 
culture  does  the  work. 

"The  great  advantage  gained  by  cropping  soil 
free  from  weeds,  is  most  apparent  in  case  of  wheat 
culture.  In  such  soils,  the  wheat  can  be  deeply 
sown  by  the  drill,  beyond  the  reach  of  predatory 
birds.  This  develops  a  strong  root-growth  in  the 
young  plant,  which  as  a  consequence  requires  more 
space.  To  meet  this  demand,  care  is  taken  to  have 
the  drill-rows  made  one  foot  apart — running  north 
and  south.  These  wide  rows  allow  free  access  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  235 

air  and  sunlight  to  the  soil,  which  may  then  be 
cultivated.  Under  the  old  system  this  space  would 
be  full  of  weeds ;  therefore  impracticable.  This 
gives  the  young  wheat  a  chance  to  spread  out,  to 
send  up  from  twenty  to  forty  stout  stems  from  the 
root- system  of  a  single  grain  of  seed.  The  growing 
stems  become  more  sturdy,  bear  larger  heads,  heads 
with  more  and  larger  kernels,  of  heavier,  brighter 
wheat.  With  this  culture,  the  yield  is  increased  one- 
third — many  times  one-half — and  the  quality  wonder 
fully  improved.  Fully  one-half  of  the  usual  quantity 
of  seed  is  saved. 

' '  By  repeating  this  method  for  a  few  years,  care 
fully  choosing  the  seed  for  each  planting  from  the 
best  kernels  borne  by  the  largest  heads,  the  ordin 
ary  wheat-crop,  without  extra  fertilization,  may 
easily  be  doubled  two  and  one-half  times  ;  while  the 
quality  of  the  entire  crop  is  raised  to  the  grade  of 
extra  fine,  which  will  readily  sell  at  fancy  prices  for 
seed  wheat.  The  net  gain,  is  a  large  cash  balance 
in  favor  of  cultivating  a  weedless  soil.  What  is 
true  of  wheat  culture  in  such  soils,  is  true  in  a  large 
measure  with  most  other  crops  ;  more  especially 
with  corn,  cotton  and  all  kinds  of  garden  crops." 

"Stop  a  moment,  Fillmore  ! 

* '  Did  I  understand  you  to  say  that  these  immense 
discs,  these  mammoth,  weed-scorching  mirrors,  were 
made  here  at  Solaris  ?  How  can  such  expensive 
things  be  made,  for  a  price  that  would  allow  so 
many  to  be  used  ?" 

"Yes,  these  concentrating  mirrors  and  burning 
glasses  combined,  are  the  product  of  the  inventive 
genius  and  skillful  work  of  our  people.  A  combina 
tion  of  brain  and  muscular  work  so  successful,  that 
these  discs,  although  they  are  of  such  great  size  and 


236  SOLARIS  FARM. 

weight,  are  quickly  and  cheaply  made  from  thick 
plates  of  flat  glass,  which  we  manufacture  from  our 
abundant  supply  of  excellent  sand!  The  quality  of 
the  glass  in  these  plates  is  of  the  best ;  clear,  soft, 
and  tough,  just  the  kind  that  will  most  readily 
take  the  proper  concave  and  convex  surfaces,  when 
treated  by  the  evenly  applied  heat  of  swiftly  re 
volving  electric  brushes.  With  plenty  of  strong  ma 
chinery  to  handle  these  heavy  plates,  a  few  skilled 
workers,  can  with  ease,  soon  transform  them  into 
perfect,  lense- shaped  discs.  Similar  discs,  made  by 
the  slow,  tedious  process  of  nineteenth  century 
methods,  would  cost  many  thousands  of  dollars  for 
each  one." 

"You  have  answered  my  question  both  briefly  and 
perfectly  !  I  recognize  in  these  great  mirrors,  a 
swift,  wonder-working  agency,  that  shall  make  pos 
sible  a  new  system  of  farming  ;  which  means,  in  the 
improved  conditions  for  mankind  that  must  follow,  a 
revolution  in  social  methods,  calculated  to  bring 
them  quickly  into  harmony  with  a  rate  of  progress 
demanded  by  the  twentieth  century. 

"I  will  take  up  another  question.  It  is  in  con 
nection  with  the  large  amount  of  cultivated  ground 
devoted  to  vegetables.  How  do  you  manage  to  make 
it  profitable  to  grow  such  a  quantity  of  perishable 
things  ?" 

"That  is  another  important  question,  which  will 
require  an  answer  so  lengthy,  that  perhaps  you  may 
grow  weary  before  I  have  finished.  However,  I  will 
try  to  be  brief.  During  the  past  year,  we  have 
taken  from  the  ground  devoted  to  vegetable  grow 
ing,  more  than  100,000  bushels  of  cabbage,  cauli 
flower,  onions,  beets,  mangel-wurzel,  carrots,  par 
snips,  salsify,  potatoes,  sweet-potatoes,  cassava,  tur- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  237 

nips,  kohlrabi  and  artichokes;  The  best  part  of  the 
story  is,  that  this  heavy  crop  has  proved  profitable, 
to  a  degree  far  beyond  our  expectations  !  As  a  rule, 
this  class  of  vegetables,  so  heavy  and  so  perishable, 
cannot  be  profitably  grown  in  large  quantities,  ex 
cept  in  locations  near  a  large  market  town.  This 
advantage,  Solaris  does  not  possess.  To  overcome 
this  difficulty,  was  an  additional  task,  which  must  be 
conquered,  by  the  allied  forces  of  co-operative  think 
ing  and  co-operative  working.  In  the  solution  of 
this  puzzling  question  which  was  finally  reached, 
the  great  mirrors  and  burning  glasses  of  the  Solaris 
concentrators,  were  again  called  upon  to  play  an  im 
portant  part. 

' '  The  first  necessity,  was  to  reduce  the  weight  of 
the  vegetables,  and  at  the  same  time,  to  arrest  all 
tendency  to  decay.  The  second  was  to  protect  them 
from  the  attack  of  insects,  by  placing  them  in  neat, 
strong,  insect-proof  packages. 

"A  large  curing  establishment  was  built  and 
equipped  with  machinery  ;  most  of  which  was  made 
at  Solaris,  from  especially  devised  patterns.  Con 
venient  trolley  lines,  connected  the  curing-house 
with  the  fields.  The  vegetables,  crisp  and  fresh 
from  the  ground,  were  quickly  brought  to  the  wash 
ing  machines,  on  trains  of  cars  laden  with  shallow 
trays,  which  permitted  them  to  be  swiftly  handled 
without  bruising.  In  these  machines,  they  were 
thoroughly  cleansed,  scraped,  and  freed  from  tops, 
rootlets  and  imperfections.  This  process  complete, 
they  were  placed  in  trays  on  traveling  carriers, 
which  delivered  them  to  the  dicing  machines.  In 
the  dicing  machines,  they  were  soon  reduced  to 
inch-cubes. 

"In  passing  from  these  machines,  the  cubes  fell 


238  SOLARIS   FARM. 

on  traveling  screens  of  fine  wire,  which  formed  the 
first  of  a  long  series  of  drying  rollers.  The  drying 
rollers,  on  the  way  to  the  packing  rooms  in  the  large 
store-house,  passed  through  a  long  system  of  sheet- 
iron  conduits,  which  were  well  heated  by  the  con 
centrated  rays  of  the  sun  from  the  mirrors  and  sun 
glasses.  So  well  did  the  drying  rollers  do  their 
work,  that  by  the  time  the  cubes  had  reached  the 
store-house,  and  were  delivered  by  the  elevators 
into  the  storing-bins  in  the  packing  house,  they 
were  reduced  to  a  dry,  hard  kernel.  They  had  lost 
three-fourths  in  bulk,  and  about  the  same  proportion 
in  weight. 

"The  funnel-shaped  bottoms  to  the  storing-bins 
were  so  arranged  as  to  be  above  the  long  rows  of 
packing  tables.  A  series  of  graduated  spouts,  de 
livered  the  cured  vegetables  to  the  packers,  who, 
standing  or  sitting  as  they  might  prefer,  could,  with 
but  little  effort  and  much  speed,  fill  the  prepared 
boxes  with  the  little  cubes, 

' '  These  boxes,  of  a  uniform  size  and  shape,  were 
made  from  thick  layers  of  heavy  straw-paper,  made 
stiff  and  firm  under  high  pressure.  The  farm  in 
manufacturing  them,  was  able  to  utilize  large  quan 
tities  of  surplus  straw  from  the  grain  fields,  which 
could  not  be  used  as  forage.  In  the  corners  of  the 
boxes,  between  layers  of  paper,  while  they  were  be 
ing  molded  into  shape,  were  inserted  small,  triang 
ular  pieces  of  wood.  These  bevel-shaped  strips 
were  cut  six  inches  in  length,  just  the  depth  of  the 
boxes,  in  which  they  served  as  upright  cornerposts. 
The  shallow  covers  fitted  each  box  with  a  telescope 
joint. 

"In  the  process  of  box-making,  the  layers  of  pa 
per  were  saturated  with  a  chemical,  germicide  solu- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  239 

tion,  which  made  the  boxes  insect-proof ;  yet,  which 
would  not  odorize,  nor  in  any  way  injure  the  con 
tents.  In  the  process  of  packing,  each  box  and 
cover  was  lined  with  thin  sheets  of  parafine  paper, 
as  an  additional  guard  against  moisture.  When  the 
boxes  were  filled  and  sealed,  they  were  strongly 
coopered,  by  adding  four  thin  laths  of  strong  wood. 
These  laths,  one- eighth  of  an  inch  thick,  two  inches 
wide,  and  just  the  length  of  the  box  ;  two  at  the 
bottom,  and  two  at  the  top,  were  securely  nailed  to 
the  cornerposts  ;  thus  completing  a  package  which 
was  cheap,  strong,  light,  durable,  rodent  and  insect- 
proof.  With  a  capacity  of  a  half-bushel,  it  weighed 
only  five  pounds.  Filled  with  cubes,  the  gross 
weight  was  but  thirty-five  pounds.  An  ideal  pack 
age,  which  could  be  piled  high  in  transportation  or 
store-house  without  injury ;  the  upright  corner- 
posts  taking  all  the  pressure. 

"The  half -bushel  or  thirty  pounds  of  dried  cubes 
in  each  box,  represent  two  bushels  of  fresh  vege 
tables.  Cured  and  packed  in  this  way,  they  reach 
distant  markets,  sound,  sweet,  clean  and  nutritious. 
No  waste,  no  worms,  no  musty  smell,  no  decay  ! 
Frost  cannot  hurt  them,  heat  preserves  them  !  For 
long  voyages,  army  and  navy  use,  mining,  lumber 
ing,  and  hunting  outfits,  they  are  simply  invaluable  ! 
For  all  classes  of  consumers,  they  are  cheaper, 
cleaner  and  more  wholesome  than  the  ordinary  stale 
and  wilted  vegetables,  for  sale  in  the  city  markets  ! 
We  have  named  these  cubes,  'Solaris  Vegetable  Con 
centrates,  '  a  title  which  we  have  copyrighted.  The 
packages  readily  wholesale  at  75  cents,  to  be  retailed 
at  one  dollar.  At  these  prices,  they  yield  a  hand 
some  profit  to  the  farm. 

"Last  year  we  placed  hundreds  of  sample  pack- 


240  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ages  on  tne  general  market,  which  soon  proved  the 
excellence  of  the  goods,  and  later  brought  heavy 
orders  for  this  year  ;  even  more  than  we  can  fill,  for 
many  of  the  varieties.  A  valuable  hint  to  us,  that 
we  must  devote  more  ground  to  growing  those  par 
ticular  kinds. 

"Our  'Solaris  Mixture  Concentrates'  are  almost 
equally  popular.  We  also  have  a  growing  demand 
for  our  'Solaris  Stock  Food, '  which  we  put  in  cheap 
er  packages,  to  wholesale  and  retail  at  50  and  75 
cents.  This  mixture  is  made  up  of  equal  proportions 
of  dried  cubes  of  potatoes,  carrots,  cassava,  and 
mangel-wurzel.  It  has  proved  the  acme  of  a  health 
ful,  fattening  stock- food ;  especially  beneficial  in 
counteracting  the  evil  effects  of  heavy  grain-feeding; 
or  in  cases  of  emergency,  to  take  the  place  of  forage 
or  cut- straw  food. 

"In  a  weedless  soil,  much  of  the  heavy  labor  of 
growing  vegetables  is  eliminated.  In  curing  and 
preparing  them  for  market  in  this  way,  a  great 
amount  of  light,  pleasant  work,  is  available  for  our 
women  co-operators.  Considered  as  a  whole,  this 
vegetable  scheme  is  one  of  the  notable  achievements 
of  Solaris  farm,  of  which  the  members  of  the  com 
pany  are  justly  proud." 

1 '  This  is  surely  a  most  excellent  work !  It  is  a 
clear  demonstration  of  what  important  results  may 
be  attained, by  the  application  of  thinking  to  agricul 
tural  work.  In  this  instance,  the  lesson  of  your 
brilliant  success,  impresses  my  mind  as  a  most  con 
vincing  argument  in  favor  of  co-operative  farming. 
I  feel  sure  that  it  will  appeal  to  the  multitude  with 
the  same  force.  It  is  but  another  illustration  of  the 
old  saying,  'Nothing  succeeds  like  success  !'  A  few 
such  examples  will  serve  to  overthrow  the  preju- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  241 

dices  of  a  thousand  years  !  They  will  win  for  you 
a  host  of  followers  in  the  cause  of  co-operative 
farming. 

"Now  Pillmore,  let  us  consider  another  matter. 
At  the  time  we  made  our  tour  of  inspection,  my  at 
tention  was  attracted  to  groups  of  oddly  constructed 
barns,  scattered  here  and  there  about  the  farm. 
What  are  these  buildings,  and  for  what  purpose  are 
they  used  ?" 

"  Those  are  curing-barns.  They  mark  another 
wide  departure  from  the  usual  methods  of  ordinary 
farming.  For  many  years  it  has  been  a  ruinously, 
wasteful  custom  with  farmers,  to  allow  their  crops 
of  corn,  grain  and  hay,  to  stand  in  the  fields  while 
curing.  All,  subject  meanwhile  to  the  destructive 
effects  of  storms,  dews  and  all  kinds  of  adverse 
weather,  which  as  a  rule,  destroyed  much  of  the 
crop,  and  reduced  the  remainder  to  the  condition  of 
an  inferior  grade. 

"By  the  use  of  these  barns,  we  are  able  to  inaugu 
rate  an  entirely  different  system,  which  succeeds 
admirably.  These  barns,  located  near  the  grain 
fields,  are  constructed  with  strong  frames.  They 
are  both  tall  and  wide,  and  so  anchored  to  their 
foundations  as  not  to  be  overthrown  by  high  winds. 
Each  roof  is  supplied  with  a  series  of  latticed  venti 
lators.  In  building  the  side  walls,  every  alternate 
ten  feet,  was  left  open  from  ground  to  roof.  These 
open  spaces  were  fitted  with  roller  screens  of  jointed, 
wooden  slats,  operated  by  weights  and  springs, 
which  allowed  the  interior  to  be  well  lighted  and 
thoroughly  ventilated.  These  screens  could  all  be 
raised  or  lowered  at  pleasure.  While  the  barns 
were  being  filled,  they  were  all  open. 

"As  the  fields  of  grain  commenced  to  ripeh'wue  li 


242  SOLARIS   FARM. 

the  straw  was  still  green  and  full  of  sap,  and  the 
swollen  kernels  were  just  passing  out  of  the  dough 
stage  of  maturing ;  with  the  aid  of  a  large  force  of 
workers,  operating  improved  machinery,  entire  fields 
of  standing  grain  at  just  precisely  the  proper  stage 
of  maturity,  could  be  transferred  to  the  shelter  of 
these  barns  in  a  single  day.  As  the  heavy  green 
bundles  of  grain  were  delivered  from  the  fields,  to 
the  adjustable  elevators  working  through  the  open 
spaces  of  the  barns,  from  either  side,  these  bundles 
were  carried  to  the  hands  of  the  rick-builders,  who 
piled  them  into  narrow  ricks  five  feet  in  width, 
across  the  barn  and  up  to  the  roof.  As  the  ricks 
grew  in  height,  strong  wire  screens  were  hooked  to 
the  dividing  posts  which  marked  the  boundaries  of 
the  ricks.  These  screens  kept  the  bundles  in  place, 
and  the  ricks  securely  upright.  When  the  barns 
were  filled  in  this  way,  the  ricks  were  separated  by 
four  feet  of  open  space,  with  a  ventilator  in  the  roof 
for  each  pair  of  ricks  and  spaces. 

"When  the  grain  crops  were  thus  housed  without 
waste  from  shelling,  the  curing  process  went  for 
ward  swiftly  and  securely.  The  advantages  gained, 
were  many.  The  wheat  straw,  full  of  sap  when 
harvested,  in  curing  slowly,  kept  the  plump  kernels 
of  grain  from  shrinking,  while  it  left  them  with 
clear,  smooth,  thin  skins,  and  a  quality,  which  pro 
duced  less  bran  and  more  gluten,  in  the  flour  they 
would  yield  when  ground.  The  kernels  were  all 
more  uniform  in  size,  larger,  firmer  and  fairer ; 
would  all  grade  as  number  one.  No  sprouted  wheat ! 
No  must !  No  blight  !  No  rust ! 

"This  was  also  true  of  oats  and  barley.  The 
straw  came  from  the  improved  threshers,  in  straight, 
compact  bundles,  thoroughly  freed  from  grain,  frag- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  243 

rant  and  bright,  almost  as  nutritious  for  forage  as 
hay.  In  fact,  this  straw,  in  such  excellent  shape  for 
cutting,  feeding,  storing,  or  transportation,  pos 
sessed  more  than  twice  the  selling  value  of  the  best 
of  ordinary  straw.  The  oat  straw,  being  softer  and 
more  pliable,  was  still  more  valuable  as  forage. 
The  barley  straw,  less  desirable  for  stock  food,  was 
sent  to  the  paper  mill  for  the  use  of  the  box  factory. 
By  this  method  of  harvesting  and  curing  grain,  the 
increase  in  quality  and  selling  value,  was  largely 
augmented.  "  The  general  result  was  a  marked  sav 
ing  of  grain,  time,  labor  and  money. 

'In  cutting  and  curing  the  hay  crops,  the  same 
kind  of  barns  were  used.  The  loosely  packed  hay 
in  the  tall,  thin  ricks,  was  soon  dry  enough  to  bale, 
and  then  be  transferred  to  the  storing  barns  ;  leaving 
room  for  the  corn  crop  which  was  to  follow.  Hay 
cured  in  this  way  is  superior  to  anything  on  the 
market,  and  always  brings  tip-top  prices  ! 

"In  curing  corn,  more  time  and  wider  ricks  are 
necessary.  The  corn  could  be  cut  earlier,  thus  leav 
ing  the  ground  free  to  be  prepared  for  the  succeed 
ing  crop  of  fall  wheat  or  late  vegetables.  During 
stormy  weather,  after  this  slower  curing  process  was 
complete,  a  jolly  army  of  huskers  invaded  the  barns. 
The  ripe  corn,  free  from  husk,  was  carefully  as 
sorted  and  stored  in  the  ventilated  bins  prepared  for 
it.  The  selected  husks  were  packed  and  baled, 
ready  for  market.  The  stalks  were  stripped  and 
topped  by  a  clever  machine.  The  excellent  forage 
thus  accumulated,  was  baled  and  stored.  The  pith 
in  the  large  part  of  the  stalk,  was  then  extracted 
by  another  machine.  These  piths  were  then  treated 
to  a  water- proofing  process,  sent  to  a  shop  on  the 
farm,  and  made  up  into  life  preservers.  Both  life 


244  SOLARIS  FABM. 

preservers  and  life  rafts,  made  from  pith  treated  in 
this  way,  proved  lighter,  cheaper,  and  more  buoyant 
than  those  made  from  cork.  This,  you  will  observe 
is  another  profitable  industry,  added  to  the  financial 
resources  of  Solaris.  It  is  also  an  addition  to  the 
fitting  employments  for  women. 

"A  still  more  desirable  employment  for  our  women 
co-operators,  was  found  at  the  grain  mill,  where 
wheat,  oats,  and  barley  were  transformed  into  popu 
lar  brands  of  '  Solaris  Breakfast  Food.'  Thus  pre 
pared,  the  market  value  of  a  bushel  of  grain  was 
increased  four  fold. 

'  'A  new  food  preparation,  from  a  mixture  of  pop 
corn  with  equal  parts  of  thoroughly  ground,  roasted 
sweet  corn,  is  really  an  excellent  article  of  diet.  In 
small,  neat  packages,  this  healthy  and  attractive 
food  can  be  sold  at  a  large  profit. 

"All  of  these  sources  of  profit,  naturally  grow  out 
of  the  new  methods  of  harvesting  and  housing 
grain,  which  is  made  possible  by  the  curing  barns. 
While  in  appearance,  these  barns  may  not  prove  at 
tractive,  yet,  I  think  you  will  readily  acknowledge 
that  they  are  very  useful  buildings  ;  buildings  which 
Solaris  could  not  well  do  without." 

"Really!  Fillmore,  I  think  these  buildings  are 
very  fine  !  More  than  that,  they  are  wonderfully 
well  adapted  to  the  purpose  for  which  they  were  con 
structed  !  In  this  respect  they  certainly  excel  in 
usefulness,  all  other  classes  of  barns.  In  your  dis- 
cription  of  them,  and  of  the  new  methods  in  harvest 
ing  ;  I  have  been  as  much  interested  and  entertained 
as  though  you  were  relating  some  fascinating  rc- 
mance.  Indeed,  I  have  been  so  absorbed,  that  I  fear 
my  poor  note- book  has  been  sadly  neglected  ! 

'  'How  much  land  do  you  devote  to  cotton  growing  ? 


SOLAKIS  FARM.  245 

How  has  co-operative  methods,  affected  its  culture  as 
a  paying  crop  ?  " 

1 '  Last  year,  we  planted  twelve  hundred  acres  in 
cotton.  By  the  use  of  choice  seed,  a  weedless  soil, 
improved  methods  in  the  destruction  of  insect  ene 
mies,  a  better  selection  of  fibre-producing  fertilizers, 
a  less  wasteful  plan  of  planting,  and  a  more  careful 
culture,  we  have  increased  the  yield  per  acre  from 
300  to  500,  and  in  a  few  instances  to  550  pounds. 
When  the  crop  was  picked  and  ginned,  we  had 
twelve  hundred  bales  of  fine  cotton.  The  quality  of 
the  fibre  in  the  whole  lot,  was  so  excellent  and  so  un 
iformly  well  ripened,  that  we  were  offered  two  cents 
per  pound  above  the  ruling  price  of  ordinary  cotton. 
As  a  result,  this  one  crop  gave  the  farm  a  cash  in 
come  of  $65,000.  $60,000  for  the  fibre,  and  $5,000 
for  the  seed,  oil  and  oil  cake.  Choice  seed  for  plant 
ing,  was  a  large  item  in  the  last  named  amount. 

"Heretofore,  the  great  difficulty  experienced  by 
single  farmers  in  growing  large  crops  of  cotton,  has 
arisen  from  the  want  of  sufficient  help  during  the 
picking  season.  At  Solaris,  we  always  have  an 
abundance  of  help.  If  the  needs  of  the  work  seem 
to  demand  it,  we  can  put  two  six -hour  reliefs  of 
pickers  into  the  field  each  day,  with  200  pickers  in 
each  relief.  By  working  such  a  force,  a  large  crop 
can  soon  be  gathered  without  waste  or  damage. 
The  pickers,  all  receiving  the  same  daily  wages, 
have  a  pocket  interest  in  saving  the  cotton,  therefore 
clean,  careful  picking,  with  a  view  of  preserving  a 
high  grade  of  fibre,  soon  becomes  the  rule.  This  is 
an  important  matter,  as  green,  immature  fibre  is 
worthless  for  the  purpose  of  making  a  strong,  dur 
able  thread  or  fabric;  therefore  pickers  must  be 
sufficiently  intelligent,  to  understand  why  they  should 


246  SOLARIS  FARM. 

select  only  the  thoroughly  ripened  cotton. 

1 '  Care  is  taken  to  make  the  pickers  as  comfortable 
as  possible.  For  this  purpose,  broad,  movable  awn 
ings,  are  provided  to  protect  them  from  sun  and 
showers.  Under  such  circumstances,  the  picking 
season  becomes  one  of  fun  and  frolic,  to  which  our 
co-operators,  look  forward  with  rejoicing.  Six  hours 
in  each  day  spent  in  such  light,  pleasant  work,  is 
hardly  regarded  as  toil.  Yet,  the  amount  of  cotton 
picked  by  each  individual,  measured  by  the  number 
of  hours  employed,  is  fully  up  to  the  standard  set  by 
good  pickers,  under  the  old  system  of  long  hours. 
The  nimble-fingered  women  easily  bear  off  the  palm, 
as  the  expert  pickers.  If  they  were  paid  by  the 
pound,  their  earnings  would  be  greater  than  those  of 
the  men.  Judged  by  such  practical  work,  women 
cannot  much  longer  be  classed  with  the  weaker  units 
of  an  agricultural  colony  ! " 

"I  consider  that,  as  a  very  important  point,  well 
stated  !  But  pardon  me  Fillmore,  for  the  question ! 
You  spoke  of  better  methods  for  the  destruction  of 
insect  enemies.  What  are  those  insects,  and  how 
did  you  manage  to  destroy  them  ?  " 

"  Those  that  proved  the  most  troublesome,  were 
the  cut- worm  and  boll- worm.  Both  were  hatched 
from  the  eggs  laid  by  certain  kinds  of  moths.  Dur 
ing  the  nights  of  the  egg-laying  season,  for  these 
moths,  they  were  easily  trapped  and  destroyed.  By 
the  use  of  a  large  number  of  electric  light  traps,  sus 
pended  from  convenient  wires,  thousands  of  these 
insects  were  lured  to  destruction  before  they  could 
deposit  their  eggs.  We  are  encouraged  to  believe, 
that  a  few  years  of  such  wholesale  extermination, 
will  soon  rid  us  of  these  pests  altogether. 

"With  a  view  of  securing  a  continuous  improve- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  247 

ment  in  the  quality  of  the  cotton,  we  propose  during 
the  next  five  years,  to  carefully  select  the  seed  for 
each  successive  planting,  from  the  largest,  most  pro 
lific  stalks,  that  produce  the  finest  fibre.  Reasoning 
from  past  experience,  I  think  it  will  not  be  difficult 
to  obtain  a  yield  at  least  one- third  greater  than  that 
of  last  year;  which,  on  account  of  extra- superior 
quality,  will  readily  sell  for  a  still  higher  price.  A 
careful  reading  of  the  annual  reports,  made  by  our 
consuls,  who  are  stationed  at  the  principal  com 
mercial  ports  of  the  world,  has  taught  us,  that  to  sell 
well,  American  cotton  must  be  baled  to  meet  the  re 
quirements  of  foreign  markets.  These  markets  de 
mand  that  we  must  use  a  finer,  better  quality  of 
baling  burlaps,  that  will  enable  us  to  make  closer, 
stronger,  smoother  packages,  such  as  will  at  once 
impress  the  prospective  buyer  with  the  fact  that 
they  are  really  fine,  because  in  appearance  they  are 
so  tight,  tidy,  and  attractive.  To  secure  this,  a 
small  additional  expense  for  baling  material,  is 
money  well  spent. 

"Considering  cotton  as  a  cash  crop,  our  experi 
ence  so  far,  proves  it  to  be  especially  adapted  to 
the  needs  and  methods  of  co-operative  farming.  A 
single  crop  has  put  money  enough  into  our  treas 
ury,  to  pay  more  than  double  the  purchase  price  of 
this  farm." 

"From  your  very  clear  and  comprehensive  an 
swers  to  my  questions,  it  appears  that  a  co-opera 
tive  farm,  by  reason  of  the  number  and  organization 
of  its  workers,  is  equipped  to  carry  on  the  culture  of 
cotton  with  more  than  ordinary  profit.  This  I  ac 
cept  as  being  absolutely  true  !  Therefore  I  hail 
your  success  as  a  revelation  of  new  possibilities, 
which  must  surely  follow  in  the  near  future  ! " 


248  SOLARIS  FARM. 

CHAPTER   XXXI. 

THE   DISCUSSION   GROWS   MORE   INTERESTING. 

"Now  FILLMORE,  "said  Fern,  "I  wish  to  ask,  what 
have  you  been  doing  in  the  department  of  experi 
mental  farming  ?  " 

"Much  of  the  work  in  that  department  is  still  in 
such  a  preliminary  stage,  that  definite  results  can 
not  yet  be  declared.  However,  among  the  experi 
ments  worthy  of  mention,  are  the  fields  containing 
the  various  kinds  of  true  sugar  cane,  and  of  sorg 
hum  or  Chinese  sugar  cane, 

"By  hybridizing  and  other  methods,  we  are  striv 
ing  to  increase  the  hardiness  of  the  former  and  the 
crystallizing-sugar  product  of  the  latter.  By  the  re 
sults  already  obtained  we  are  encouraged  to  believe, 
that  five  years  hence,  we  shall  have  produced  a 
sugar-cane  equal  to  the  best,  that  may  be  grown 
with  much  profit,  as  far  north  as  St.  Louis. 

' '  Small  plots  of  ground  have  also  been  devoted  to 
growing  tea,  peppers,  sage,  hops,  ginseng  and  other 
medicinal  plants,  with  such  excellent  results,  that 
no  doubt  they  will  soon  develop  into  profitable  ven 
tures. 

"The  ten  acres  planted  to  broom-corn,  have  pro 
duced  the  necessary  material  with  which  to  keep 
the  workers  in  the  broom  and  brush  factory  profit 
ably  employed. 

* '  In  the  line  of  fibre  plants,  other  than  the  cotton 
crop  before  mentioned ;  we  have  grown  enough 
hemp  and  flax,  to  supply  the  needs  of  our  rope  and 
twine  works.  In  'bromelia  fibrista,'  a  new  fibre 
plant,  we  find  a  product  that  bids  fair  to  rival  silk 


SOLARIS  FARM.  249 

in    producing   a   fabric    of    fine,    smooth,    beautiful 
texture. 

"In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  several  swampy 
plots  have  been  planted  to  willow,  and  as  a  conse 
quence,  a  growing  basket- weaving  industry  has  been 
developed. 

' '  At  the  very  beginning  of  our  work  here,  while  I 
was  preparing  to  stock  the  seed  beds  in  the  nursery, 
one  of  our  co-operators,  a  very  intelligent  and  ob 
serving  young  man,  who  had  been  railroading  in 
Mexico  for  two  years  previous  to  his  joining  our 
colony,  called  my  attention  to  the  Mexican  quince. 
So  strongly  did  he  assert  his  belief  that  the  fruit 
would  thrive  at  Solaris,  that  I  soon  became  a  con 
vert  to  his  enthusiasm.  With  the  young  man  for  a 
guide,  two  weeks  later  we  were  on  the  way  to  Mex 
ico  ;  returning  shortly,  with  enough  three-year-old 
nursery  stock,  to  plant  one  hundred  acres.  In  ad 
dition,  we  secured  the  seed  for  500,000  young  plants. 
Since  that  time,  our  plantation  of  quince  bushes  has 
grown  finely. 

"Last  year  we  gathered  the  first  crop.  Not  a 
large  one — perhaps,  from  fifteen  to  twenty -five 
quinces  from  each  clump  of  bushes.  As  the  fruit 
was  large  and  the  bushes  thickly  planted,  the  yield 
was  about  one  hundred  crates  to  the  acre.  An 
aggregate  of  ten  thousand  crates  for  the  entire  crop. 
We  have  every  reason  to  believe,  that  the  crop  this 
year  will  be  double  that  amount. 

"Owing  to  the  fact  that  this  quince  thrives  best 
on  the  elevated  table  lands  of  Mexico,  where  it  is 
subject  to  periods  of  cold  and  frost  of  considerable 
length ;  it  has  readily  adjusted  itself  to  this  loca 
tion  and  climate.  We  are  now  able  to  pronounce  it, 
a  complete  success  !  It  is  a  magnificent  fruit ! 


250  SOLARIS  FARM. 

Much  superior  in  size,  color,  flavor  and  fragrance, 
to  our  own  domestic  quince.  In  keeping  qualities 
and  a  firmness  of  flesh  that  will  bear  long  distance 
transportation  without  injury,  it  is  fully  equal  to  the 
northern  quince.  In  a  deep-toned  richness  of  color, 
perfection  of  shape  and  smoothness  of  skin,  these 
peerless  quinces  are  veritable  apples  of  gold  !  They 
are  pictures  of  beauty  which  sell  at  sight  !  The 
flavor  is  so  fine,  that  Mexicans  eat  them  with  as 
much  relish  as  the  people  of  New  York  eat  apples. 
Dried,  these  quinces  are  delicious  ! 

"In  Mexico,  large  quantities  are  annually  reduced 
to  a  soft  mass  of  pulp,  spread  out  in  thin  layers,  and 
dried  into  sheets  of  what  is  termed  quince-leather. 
Armed  with  a  generous  roll  of  this  excellent  prepara 
tion,  the  traveler  in  the  desert  countries  of  hot,  dry 
climates,  may  bid  defiance  to  thirst.  With  such  a 
wealth  of  recommendations,  we  were  able  to  sell  our 
first  crop  of  quinces  at  a  net  price  of  two  dollars  per 
crate;  or  $20,000  in  cash.  Hereafter  we  shall  save 
the  commissions,  as  we  have  already  received  ad 
vance  orders  for  our  next  crop,  at  $2.25  per  crate, 
delivered  on  board  the  cars  here  at  Solaris.  Next 
year,  we  propose  to  enlarge  our  quince  orchard 
by  adding  another  hundred  acres.  Taking  all  these 
items  into  consideration,  I  think  we  have  good 
reason  to  be  proud  of  our  first  attempt  at  experi 
mental  farming  in  the  line  of  quince  culture  ! 

"I  have  two  additional  experiments  to  describe. 
They  are  the  last  on  my  list. 

"While  in  Mexico  securing  the  quince  plants,  I 
found  what  to  me  was  a  new  variety  of  table  grapes. 
They  were  marked  by  the  following  characteristics. 
Large  clusters,  berry  large  oblong,  thin  skin,  few 
seeds,  fine  sweet  pulp,  delicious  boquet,  color  when 


SOLARIS  FARM.  251 

ripe,  a  pale  amber  green ;  ripens  about  the  first  of 
July.  As  we  found  these  grapes  growing  on  the 
high  table  lands,  I  determined  to  try  them  at  Sol 
aris.  By  the  dint  of  hard  work,  I  procured  enough 
young  vines  to  set  fifty  acres.  From  those  vines,  we 
have  rooted  enough  cuttings  in  the  nursery,  to  give 
us  100,000  young  vines,  which  have  now  reached  the 
proper  size  for  setting  in  the  vineyard.  This  fine 
grape  we  have  named  '  Solaris  Early.' 

"Last  July  we  gathered  our  first  crop — 5000  ten- 
pound  baskets,  which  we  readily  sold  at  the  fancy 
wholesale  price  of  one  dollar  per  basket.  In  packing 
them  for  the  market  we  carefully  reject  small,  poor 
bunches.  The  bunches  selected  are  freed  from  all 
bruised  berries.  The  stems  of  the  bunches  are  then 
dipped  in  melted  wax.  After  this  treatment  they 
are  packed  in  layers  of  finely  cut,  soft  chaff,  made 
from  clean,  bright,  fragrant  oat  straw.  The  chaff 
serves  to  keep  the  berries  and  clusters  well  apart, 
and  also  to  keep  out  the  air,  which  otherwise  would 
soon  wilt  the  fruit.  Packed  in  this  way  the  grapes 
reach  distant  markets  in  perfect  condition.  In  fact, 
they  are  the  only  good  table  grapes  on  the  market 
at  that  season ;  therefore  in  choice  lots  they  will  al 
ways  command  fancy  prices.  The  experiment  with 
them  has  proved  so  successful  that  next  season,  we 
shall  increase  the  size  of  the  vineyard  to  two  hun 
dred  acres. 

"By  way  of  a  commencement  in  small  fruit  culture, 
we  have  fifty  acres  of  ground,  devoted  to  growing  a 
great  variety  of  berries.  They  require  the  work  of 
a  large  number  of  hands  during  the  picking  season. 
Owing  to  the  perishable  nature  of  such  small  fruits, 
we  do  not  attempt  to  market  them  fresh,  but  make 
them  into  jellies,  jams,  marmalades,  and  preserves. 


252  SOLARIS  FARM. 

These  we  pack  in  glass  jars,  of  the  various  sizes  de 
manded  by  the  wholesale  and  retail  trade.  In  pre 
paring  and  packing  these  goods,  we  use  only  the  best 
61  everything.  This  is  in  line  with  our  purpose  to 
establish  a  reputation  of  a  high  degree  of  excellence, 
for  each  article  put  on  the  market  under  a  Solaris 
label.  By  a  rigid  observance  of  this  rule,  we  man 
age  to  sell  the  products  of  our  berry  crops  at  a  good 
profit. 

'  'When  the  farm  books  are  balanced  at  the  end  of 
the  year,  we  are  encouraged  to  find  that  the  fifty 
acres  of  berries,  has  a  larger  credit  than  any  other 
fifty  acres  on  the  farm. 

' '  In  the  line  of  an  extension  of  this  kind  of  farm 
ing,  we  are  now  preparing  for  next  year,  with  the 
purpose  of  starting  a  factory  for  canning  our  output 
of  sweet  corn,  green  peas, beans,  asparagus,  tomatoes, 
peaches,  plums  and  pears.  This  completes  my  list 
of  items  under  the  head  of  experimental  farming, 
which  Solaris  now  has  to  offer.  What  do  you  think 
of  it  so  far  ?  " 

"I  think  very  well  of  it  indeed !  I  am  especially 
impressed  with  the  Mexican  quinces,  early  grapes, 
and  the  berries.  They  seem  to  promise  the  great 
est  success,  and  the  largest  financial  returns.  Taken 
altogether,  I  think  the  outlook  for  experimental 
farming  at  Solaris,  is  very  bright ! 

' '  Now,  by  the  way  of  recapitulation,  can  you  give 
to  me,  a  brief  statement  of  the  crops  grown  last 
year ;  with  an  approximate  one,  of  the  cash  derived 
therefrom  ?  " 

''That  -will  not  be  difficult.  I  will  endeavor  to 
make  my  statement  as  brief  as  possible. 

"By  looking  at  this  map,  you  will  observe  that 
during  the  season  just  past,  we  have  cultivated 


SOLARIS  FARM.  253 

about  4,000  acres  of  land.  The  crops  planted,  were 
nearly  as  follows  :  1,200  acres  to  cotton;  1,000  acres 
to  wheat ;  1, 100  acres  divided  between  corn,  oats, 
barley  and  hay  ;  150  acres  to  vegetables,  and  550 
acres  to  a  miscellaneous  variety  of  crops,  such  as 
the  nursery,  the  quince  orchard,  the  vineyard,  the 
berries,  the  gardens,  and  all  ground  devoted  to  ex 
perimental  culture. 

"The  aggregate  cash  income  derived  from  these 
crops,  which  found  a  market  in  the  outside  world, 
in  addition  to  those  sold  to  our  own  people,  amounted 
in  round  numbers  to  $193,000.  Of  this  amount, 
$95,000  came  from  sales  of  cotton  and  wheat.  Next 
year  we  have  good  reason  to  expect  a  cash  income 
of  $250,000  from  our  farm  products  alone.  Last 
year  we  realized  $57,000  from  the  sale  of  our  manu 
factured  products  ;  such  as  brick,  terracotta,  drain 
pipes,  tiles,  earthen  ware,  furniture,  brooms,  willow 
ware,  and  the  output  of  several  other  minor  indus 
tries.  This  brought  the  total  income  of  the  farm 
for  the  year,  up  to  $250,000. 

"You  ask  what  disposition  has  been  made  of  this 
money?  $50,000  has  been  expended  in  additional 
improvements,  machinery,  buildings,  and  live  stock 
for  the  farm.  $25,000  more,  has  been  added  to  the 
stock  in  our  store,  which  now  has  a  supply  of  goods, 
sufficient  to  meet  the  demands  of  adjacent  settlers 
who  wish  to  trade  with  us.  $25,000  is  held  in  our 
treasury,  for  use  in  any  emergency  which  may 
arise.  The  remaining  $150,000,  has  been  placed  in 
the  sinking-fund. 

"Our  farm-store,  has  proved  a  very  important  in 
stitution.  The  clothing,  tailoring,  dressmaking  ard 
millinery  departments,  have  proved  surprisingly  suc 
cessful  ;  with  a  constantly  increasing  demand  for 


254  SOLARIS   FARM. 

the  goods  turned  out.  This  opens  a  wide  field  of  re 
munerative  labor,  for  our  women  co-operators. 

"The  2,400  acres  of  untilled  lands,  are  now  util 
ized  as  follows:  500  acres  are  covered  by  a  fairly 
good  native  forest ;  500  more,  by  the  scattered  tim 
ber  around  the  stone  quarries,  gravel  beds,  sand 
pits,  clay  deposits  and  the  various  other  mines. 
400  acres  are  used  for  pasture,  100  acres  belong  to 
the  village  site.  200  acres  are  planted  to  apple 
trees ;  25  acres  to  pear ;  25  acres  to  peach ;  and  200 
acres  to  nut-bearing  trees.  100  acres  are  now  being 
prepared  for  the  addition  to  the  quince  orchard. 
Another  100  acres  for  the  vineyard.  The  remain 
ing  250  acres,  for  other  desirable  varieties  of  fruit. 

"Of  the  100  acres  set  apart  for  the  village  site, 
only  forty,  are  at  present  occupied  by  the  streets  in 
use,  the  buildings,  and  the  public  square.  The  re 
maining  sixty  acres,  are  laid  out  with  walks,  drives, 
lawns,  oval,  circular,  and  star-shaped  plots.  The 
latter,  are  filled  with  choice  roses  and  flowers.  The 
ovals  and  circles,  are  thickly  planted  with  fruit 
trees  and  ornamental  shrubbery.  The  fruits,  such 
as  cherries,  plums,  peaches,  pears  and  figs,  have  all 
been  the  result  of  experimental  potting  and  plant 
ing  by  the  school  children.  The  same  is  true  in  a 
large  measure,  of  the  rose  gardens  and  the  shrub 
bery. 

"The  effect  of  this  amusing  work  on  the  children, 
is  most  excellent.  A  taste  for  the  beautiful  be 
comes  permanent,  while  they  acquire  a  fund  of  use 
ful  knowledge  about  the  care  and  culture  of  trees, 
and  also  how  to  enjoy  themselves  in  the  conscious 
zeal  of  pushing  forward  some  useful  employment; 
which  will  make  them  stronger,  healthier  and  hap 
pier.  With  the  advent  of  spring,  comes  a  wealth  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  255 

bloom  to  reward  their  toil — a  paradise  of  beauty  and 
fragrance ;  everywhere,  clouds  of  pink  sprays  and 
snowy  petals  charm  the  sight. 

"This  last  item,  like  a  long,  ornamental  nourish, 
must  conclude  my  summing  up  of  the  distribution  of 
crops,  the  division  of  forest,  pasture  and  fruit  lands, 
over  the  whole  farm  ;  with  its  complete  chain  of  fin 
ancial  resources,  and  its  outlook  for  the  coming 
season.  I  hope  I  have  not  made  my  recapitulation 
too  lengthy!  Also,  that  I  have  succeeded  in  answer 
ing  your  questions  satisfactorily." 

"Your  summing  up  has  shown  surprising  results  ! 
The  magnitude  of  the  cash  income,  is  really  a  crown 
of  triumph  for  co-operative  farming  !  I  congratu 
late  you,  and  the  people  of  Solaris,  most  heartily  ! 
In  justice  to  the  able  answers  to  my  questions,  I 
must  say  that  many  times  you  have  answered,  even 
before  I  could  frame  them  into  words.  With  each 
succeeding  reply,  my  wonder  and  delight  has  in 
creased.  I  have  discovered  many  new  possibilities, 
in  pleasant,  productive  and  profitable  methods  for 
farm  work,  of  which  I  have  never  before  dreamed. 
Now  that  you  have  made  them  plain  to  me  in  such 
a  charming  manner  ;  I  am  beginning  to  understand 
how  it  is,  that  Solaris  can  produce  such  quantities 
of  marketable  goods,  that  can  so  easily  be  turned 
into  cash.  I  have  yet  a  number  of  important  ques 
tions  remaining  unanswered,  but  they  do  not  per 
tain  to  growing  crops." 


256  SOLARIS  FARM. 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

SOCIAL   SOLUTIONS. 

"I  NOW  wish,"  said  Fern,  "to  consider  the  social 
and  domestic  interests  of  the  colony.  How  do  you 
manage  to  keep  up  the  necessary  degree  of  cleanli 
ness,  demanded  by  perfect  sanitation  in  the  living 
rooms  of  the  co-operators,  without  seriously  disturb 
ing  the  privacy  of  the  family. " 

"That  is  a  delicate  matter,  which  by  choice  of  the 
co-operators  themselves,  easily  adjusts  itself  to  the 
requirements  of  the  committee  members,  who  are 
chosen  to  take  charge  of  the  tri-weekly  scrubbing 
and  sweeping.  The  detail  for  this  work  for  each 
week,  is  made  by  the  assignment  committee. 

"They  select  from  a  class  of  workers,  known  as 
both  skillful  and  trustworthy.  All  rooms  which  the 
occupants  desire  to  have  cleaned,  are  left  open.  All 
rooms  that  are  found  locked,  are  reported  to  the 
chairman  of  the  committee,  whose  duty  it  is  to  in 
spect  them  at  a  later  period,  while  the  occupants  are 
present.  It  is  a  matter  which  is  well  understood  by 
the  members  of  the  company,  that  rooms  not  access 
ible  to  the  regular  cleaning  force,  must  be  kept  sweet 
and  tidy  by  the  occupants  themselves,  during  hours 
which  might  be  otherwise  devoted  to  rest,  amuse 
ment  or  study. 

' '  Under  the  pressure  of  such  conditions,  even  the 
most  exclusive,  soon  voluntarily  open  all  their  rooms 
to  the  authorized  force.  Causes  for  complaint 
against  any  member  of  the  sanitary,  inspection  or 
assignment  committee,  are  corrected  by  the  voters 
at  monthly  elections,  held  for  the  purpose  of  select- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  257 

ing  new  committees.  This  system  so  appeals  to  that 
innate  sense  of  justice  and  harmony  reigning  in  the 
hearts  of  our  people^  that  after  a  few  months  of  ex 
perience,  they  are  ready  to  co-operate  heartily  in 
any  sort  of  discipline  which  may  be  necessary  to 
secure  the  welfare  of  the  entire  colony, 

"The  peculiar  charm  of  colony-life  appeals  to* 
them  so  strongly,  that  to  be  voted  out  of  the  organ 
ization  on  account  of  violation  of  rules,  or  of  any  im 
proper  conduct,  is  universally  considered  as  a  most 
dreadful  calamity.  The  possibility  of  such  a  fate, 
like  some  hidden  spectre,  acts  as  a  restraining  in 
fluence,  which  holds  in  check  the  most  lawless, 
stubborn,  or  self-opinionated.  It  soon  makes  them 
zealous,  peace-loving  and  obedient.  Having  once 
tasted  the  sweets  of  the  co-operative  system,  they 
have  a  wholesome  dread  of  being  obliged  to  return 
to  the  cruel  bitterness  of  the  old  competitive  system! 

"Among  the  most  potent  charms  which  have 
proved  so  attractive  to  Solaris  workers,  is  the  con 
dition  of  health,  comfort  and  beauty,  which  sur 
rounds  the  laborer  in  every  department  of  the  farm. 

"In  store,  work-shop,  seed-room,  dairy,  mill,  fac 
tory  or  packing-houso,  the  rooms  are  large,  the 
light  is  abundant,  ventilation  perfect,  ceilings  high ; 
while  both  walls  and  ceilings  are  so  beautifully  and 
artistically  decorated,  that  love  for  the  beautiful  in 
the  esthetic  nature,  swells  and  grows  to  be  a  domin 
ant  passion.  This  passion  soon  takes  hold  of  both 
heart  and  brain,  becoming  the  foundation  of  a  char 
acter-building-work  of  high  order.  Thus  happily 
environed,  our  people  feast  their  eyes  and  merrily 
sing  away  the  hours,  which  are  devoted  to  tasks 
they  have  learned  to  love.  The  tendency  of  these 
things,  is  ever  toward  the  good,  the  right,  the  pure 

9 


258  SOLARIS  FARM. 

and  true !  Under  such  conditions,  the  demon  of 
discontent, evil  thinking  and  evil  doing, cannot  thrive! 
His  power  wanes,  he  flies  to  the  more  congenial  sur 
roundings  which  mark  the  dingy,  ill  smelling,  over 
crowded  work-shops  of  the  competitive  system  ! 

"No  wonder,  when  away  from  Solaris,  our  people 
are  so  anxious  to  return  !  They  come  back  con 
vinced,  that  they  have  fortunately  escaped  from  the 
thralldom  of  a  debasing,  cruel  system.  A  system 
which — utterly  ignoring  the  sacredness  of  human 
life — in  a  frenzy  of  selfish  greed,  has,  so  far  as  the 
toilers  of  the  world  are  concerned,  turned  the  tri 
umphs  of  modern  civilization  into  the  mockery  of  a 
bitter  curse  !  As  affecting  themselves,  our  people 
perceive  that,  under  the  protecting  mantle  of  finan 
cial  conditions  which  prevail  here  at  Solaris,  they, 
as  members  of  the  company,  are  sure  to  secure 
every  benefit,  profit  or  advantage,  that  may  flow 
from  the  use  of  the  best  and  most  expensive  kinds 
of  labor-saving  machinery.  Once  aware  of  all  the 
facts,  thereafter,  they  cannot  under  any  circum 
stances,  be  induced  to  return  to  employment  under 
the  old  system. 

4 'The  advantage  in  favor  of  co-operative  work  is 
so  great,  that  among  our  women  co-operators,  there 
is  a  general  desire  to  have  it  utilized  to  the  utmost ; 
especially  in  all  kinds  of  housework.  The  intro 
duction  of  such  a  wholesale  system  of  house-clean 
ing,  soon  demands  a  better  class  of  sweepers,  to  take 
the  place  of  the  housewife's  broom  and  dust  pan. 

' '  Large  suction  sweepers,  worked  by  a  powerful  in 
haling  bellows,  which  swiftly  and  silently  suck  up, 
from  carpet,  furniture,  and  curtains,  all  particles  of 
accumulated  dust,  are  the  perfected  instruments 
chosen  ;  unlike  the  ordinary  dust-raising  machines, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  259 

which  must  be  followed  by  an  army  of  dusting  cloths, 
these  suction  machines  do  perfect  work,  leaving  the 
air  of  the  renovated  room  pure,  wholesome  and  fair 
ly  free  from  floating  dust,  with  its  accompanying 
cloud  of  disease-laden  germs.  Many  similar  accom 
plishments  in  other'  departments  of  housework,  soon 
convince  all  opponents,  that  personal  prejudice  must 
not  be  allowed  to  interfere  with  the  working  of  the 
system." 

"Pardon  me  Fillmore  !  If  at  this  point  I  interrupt 
you,  with  a  question  which  I  wish  to  preface  with 
this  remark  !  In  the  estimation  of  most  women,  well- 
kept  hands,  are  considered  as  a  rule,  to  indicate  the 
measure  of  the  owners  refinement.  According  to  my 
judgment,  there  is  nothing  which  so  quickly  destroys 
the  contour  and  suppleness  of  the  hands,  and  that 
much  prized,  white,  velvety  smoothness  of  skin, 
as  dishwashing.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  woman's 
self-respect  is  involved  in  the  loss.  For  this  reason, 
I  believe  women  dislike  that  disagreeable  part  of 
housework  more  than  any  other.  Premising  that 
my  theory  is  true,  how  can  you  manage  this  matter 
at  Solaris,  in  order  to  avoid  trouble?" 

'  *  I  accept  your  question  as  a  welcome  interruption  ! 
It  gives  me  a  chance  to  tell  you  more  about  our 
kitchen  work,  which  I  feel  sure  will  interest  you 
greatly! 

"For  reasons  which  I  shall  state  presently,  our 
women  workers  do  not  desire  to  avoid  frequent  six- 
hour  details  as  dishwashers  at  the  restaurant.  By 
our  new  methods,  the  task  is  easily  and  quickly  ac 
complished. 

"The  washers  are  not  required  to  put  their  hands 
into  hot  or  cold  water  during  the  process.  Travel 
ing  carriers  on  either  side  of  the  dining  rooms,  run 


260  SOLARIS  FARM. 

to  and  from  the  kitchen.  In  one,  the  food  comes  to 
the  tables,  in  response  to  phone  orders  from  the 
waiter.  In  the  other,  the  dishes  are  returned  to  the 
kitchen.  There,  the  washers  scrape  the  bones  and 
rejected  food  into  the  waiting  barrels.  These  bar 
rels  when  filled,  go  to  the  feeding  yards  of  the  pigs 
and  poultry. 

"The  dishes,  after  being  scraped,  are  then  placed 
in  the  washing  machine.  This  machine,  run  by  elec 
tric  power,  is  a  wide,  deep,  round-bottomed  trough, 
built  in  a  circle  twenty  feet  in  diameter.  Along  the 
bottom  of  this  trough,  is  a  moving  track,  which 
travels  slowly  around  the  circle  with  its  train  of 
metal  carriers.  On  these  carriers  are  placed  the 
dishes  as  they  come  from  the  hands  of  the  scrapers. 
When  the  carrier  thus  laden  commences  its  circular 
journey,  the  dishes — placed  well  apart — are  subjected 
to  dashing  jets  of  warm,  soapy  water,  and  then  to 
more  torrential  jets  of  hot,  and  very  hot  pure  water. 

' '  Comfortably  seated,  at  convenient  points  around 
the  machine,  the  washers  control  the  force  and  quan 
tity  of  the  water  jets,  and  whenever  necessary, 
assist  the  cleansing  process  with  their  long-handled 
swabs.  When  this  process  is  finished,  the  dishes  ar 
rive  at  the  drying  boards,  so  hot  that  by  the  time 
the  wipers  with  their  thick  towels  have  placed  them 
in  the  racks  where  they  belong,  all  are  perfectly 
clean  and  dry. 

"Our  pots,  sauce  pans,  stew  pans  and  kettles,  are 
all  designed  for  electric  cooking,  and  are  made  in 
shapes  best  adapted  for  easy  cleaning.  For  these, 
an  additional  washing-sink  is  provided.  Over  this 
sink,  connected  with  the  electric  wires,  we  have 
rigged  three  hanging  spindles,  of  as  many  different 
sizes.  These  spindles  can  be  raised  or  lowered  by 


SOLARIS  FARM.  261 

the  operator,  while  they  are  in  motion.  Each  spindle 
is  armed  on  every  side  with  loose  wings  of  alternat 
ing  wire  scrapers  and  dish-cloths.  The  vessel  to  be 
cleansed  is  placed  on  the  movable  carrier  at  the 
bottom  of  the  sink.  Passing  under  a  spindle  of  the 
proper  size,  the  spindle  is  lowered,  and  at  once  begins 
to  revolve  with  a  strong,  rotary  pressure.  This 
searching,  chafing  pressure,  in  connection  with  the 
hot- water  jets,  soon  cleans  and  polishes  the  most 
obstinate  among  the  kettles. 

"The  kitchen  and  dish  pantry  combined,  is  a 
very  large,  well-lighted,  well- ventilated  room.  This 
room  is  constantly  kept  sweet  and  comfortable  by 
electric  fans.  The  work  is  light,  and  never  mon 
otonous.  Only  two,  of  the  six  hours  devoted  to 
kitchen  duty,  are  spent  in  the  active  work  of  dish 
washing.  During  the  remaining  hours,  the  washers 
take  lessons  in  cookery,  from  the  chief  and  the 
two  assistants.  These  three  important  ofiicials,  are 
chosen  from  the  ranks  of  competent  volunteers. 
They  are  responsible  for  the  kitchen  work.  They 
plan  all  the  meals,  and  direct  the  work  of  the  under 
cooks.  The  system  soon  comes  to  work  like  a  charm ! 
I  can  truthfully  say,  that  it  gives  general  satis 
faction. 

"The  success  attending  this  extension  of  co-oper 
ative  methods,  to  embrace  the  entire  list  of  worry- 
producing  details  which  belong  to  general  house 
work,  is  hailed  with  delight  by  our  matrons  and 
maidens.  They  keenly  appreciate  the  great  bless 
ing  of  this  movement,  which  has  rescued  them  from 
the  harrassing,  health-destroying  drudgery,  of  a 
house  wife  on  a  small  farm.  They  well  know  the 
sad  story,  which  comes  from  thousands  of  such 
farms,  where  isolated  lives,  overburden  of  cares 


262  SOLARIS  FARM. 

and  long  hours  of  irritating,  never-ending  toil,  have 
produced  such  fearful,  mental  depression,  that  as  a 
result,  we  find  six  hundred  farmers'  wives,  among 
the  inmates  of  asylums  for  the  insane,  in  each  one 
of  the  States  of  Michigan  and  Kansas.  The  propor 
tion  for  other  agricultural  States,  is  doubtless  much 
the  same.  What  a  horrible  array  of  statistics,  this 
is  to  contemplate  !  What  an  indictment  against  ex 
isting  agricultural  conditions  !  What  a  sad  fate,  to 
overtake  the  mothers  of  so  many  sons  and  daughters 
of  the  farms  of  this  Republic  !  Who  can  measure 
the  intensity  of  the  agony  and  suffering,  these  child 
ren  may  thus  inherit !  What  possible  argument, 
can  speak  more  eloquently,  or  call  more  loudly,  for 
the  immediate  adoption  of  co-operative  farming  by 
our  agricultural  people  ? 

"In  the  matter  of  frequent  bathing  to  maintain 
personal  cleanliness  ;  the  popularity,  with  both  old 
and  young,  of  our  fine  hot  and  cold,  plunge,  swim 
ming  and  shower  baths,  free  to  all,  which  are  kept 
open  in  connection  with  the  laundry  ;  proves  con 
clusively,  that  the  habit  of  cleanliness,  like  all  other 
habits,  is  the  result  of  environment ;  or  in  other 
words,  of  opportunity  and  the  strong  impulse  of 
social  example. 

' '  In  treating  your  question  as  though  it  contained 
several  sub-divisions,  I  may  perhaps  have  made  my 
answer  too  lengthy.  Do  you  find  it  so  ?" 

"  Oh  no  !  On  the  contrary  it  is  clear,  brief,  inter 
esting  and  to  the  point  !  You  have  told  me  just 
what  I  most  desired  to  know  !  I  perceive  that  the 
practical  working  of  a  co-operative  colony,  answers 
a  great  many  puzzling  questions,  which  hitherto, 
we  have  passed  by  as  hopeless  problems.  From 
the  commencement  of  this  work,  I  have  been  con- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  263 

cerned,  lest  the  discipline  necessary  to  maintain  a 
proper  working  harmony  in  such  a  large  colony, 
should  prove  a  fruitful  source  of  discontent.  I  am 
rejoiced  to  find  that  my  fears  were  groundless  ! 

"This  brings  me  to  my  second  question.  Do  you 
find  homesickness  among  the  colonists,  a  frequent 
cause  of  discontent  ?  " 

' '  On  the  contrary,  the  number  of  such  cases  has 
been  surprisingly  small.  Owing,  doubtless,  to  the 
marked  change  from  isolated  conditions  of  small  farm 
life,  to  the  superior  advantages  for  education,  amuse 
ment,  social  enjoyment,  and  the  all-pervading  en 
thusiasm  of  congenial,  co-operative  work ;  which  here 
at  Solaris,  leaves  no  time  for  such  fits  of  brooding 
over  the  past,  as  usually  result  in  that  severe  mental 
depression,  which  we  call  homesickness.  Perhaps 
one  individual  in  fifty,  is  so  constituted  that  home 
sickness  becomes  a  serious  illness.  In  such  cases, 
the  executive  committee  is  authorized  to  grant  the 
necessary  leave  of  absence.  Always  providing  of 
course,  that  the  applicant  is  willing  to  comply  with 
a  rule  of  the  organization,  which  assigns  the  pay  of 
the  absentee  to  the  general  service  fund,  for  the 
number  of  days  such  absence  may  continue.  A  strict 
observance  of  this  rule,  leaves  no  cause  for  complaint 
by  those  who  remain. 

"In  considering  the  question  from  another  stand 
point,  we  find  the  general  tone  and  disposition  of  our 
people,  has  been  raised  to  a  much  higher,  happier 
pitch,  by  the  evolution  of  the  musical  spirit,  intro 
duced  and  inspired  by  the  work  of  the  dancing  and 
musical  clubs.  Stimulated  by  the  prizes  offered  by 
the  general  manager,  a  great  number  of  beautiful 
farm  songs  have  been  completed,  and  adapted  to  a 
large  variety  of  farm  work.  These  songs  have  been 


264  SOLARIS  FARM. 

taken  up  by  a  goodly  number  of  glee  clubs,  organized 
for  the  purpose  from  among  those  members  of  the 
musical  club,  who  had  the  good  fortune  to  possess  a 
fine  quality  of  voice. 

"Careful  training  and  steady  practice,  soon  en 
abled  these  lesser  vocal  organizations,  to  render  the 
entire  list  of  songs,  with  a  mellow  smoothness,  an 
inspiring  swing  of  rythm,  and  a  well  rounded  tone  of 
perfection,  which  was  really  quite  surprising.  These 
vocalists,  scattered  through  the  fifties  and  hundreds 
of  farm  workers  in  the  hay,  harvest,  corn  and  cotton 
fields ;  the  nursery,  gardens,  orchards  and  vine 
yards  ;  the  dairy,  mills,  factories  and  packing- houses  ; 
the  brick  works,  mines  and  quarries  ;  the  workshops 
of  the  store,  and  the  assembly  meetings  of  the  co- 
operators  ;  became  competent  teachers,  who,  by 
their  leadership  and  example,  soon  made  it  possible 
for  every  member  of  the  colony,  to  master  both 
words  and  music  of  all  the  songs.  This  course  of 
vocal  training  proved  so  fascinating,  that  our  people 
literally  absorbed  it !  The  children,  even  more 
quickly  than  the  adults  ! 

1 1  Thoroughly  tested  in  the  practical  work  of  every 
department  of  the  farm ;  the  beneficial  effect  has 
proved  a  marvel,  which  has  far  exceeded  the  ex 
pectations  of  our  musical  enthusiasts.  Many  fine 
voices  have  been  discovered,  developed  and  trained. 
The  benign  influence  of  this  musical  wave,  has  shown 
a  constant  tendency  to  extend  its  sway  in  all  direct 
ions.  This  blending  of  voices,  has  added  a  hitherto 
unknown  zest  to  the  work ;  and  a  stronger  tie  to 
every  association  connected  with  it.  Best  of  all,  as 
directly  affecting  the  question  under  discussion !  It 
has  proved  a  most  potent  factor  in  driving  away  the 
spirit  of  ill -humor,  inharmony,  and  discontent ;  also 


SOLARIS  FARM.  265 

in  breaking  the  charm  of  old  associations,  home  ties, 
and  retrospective,  social  memories,  so  conducive  to 
attacks  of  homesickness.  The  exhilarating,  helpful 
rythm,  of  these  inspiring  songs,  has  given  an  added 
force  to  the  working  power  of  the  farm.  It  has 
largely  reduced  the  fatigue,  and  increased  the  amount 
of  work  that  can  be  performed  in  a  given  time. 
Further,  we  find  the  general  mental,  physical  and 
spiritual  health  of  our  people,  correspondingly  im 
proved. 

"A  curious  fact,  is  disclosed  by  these  vocal  ex 
periments.  It  is  this,  that  the  vibration  of  musical 
tones,  in  the  blending  voices  of  a  mixed  multitude, 
produces  a  moral,  mental  and  spiritual  harmony, 
such  as  cannot  be  achieved  in  any  other  way.  In 
point  of  fact,  we  get  a  composite  expression  of  the 
highest  soul  element  of  the  mass — a  new  phase  of 
the  exceeding  fruitfulness  of  co-operative  effort ! 
It  may  be  stated  in  conclusion,  that  there  comes  to 
the  minds  of  our  people,  an  added  power,  flowing 
from  the  general  hypnotic  effect,  of  harmonious  co 
operation.  This  power  brings  with  it  a  right  con 
ception  of  human  life,  in  which  a  certain  amount  of 
necessary,  productive  labor,  becomes  the  keynote, 
which  completes  a  perfect  anthem,  and  more  sym 
metrically  rounds  out  the  full  measure,  melody  and 
grandeur,  of  an  individual  existence.  What  think 
you  of  these  results  ?  " 

' '  They  are  very  wonderful  indeed  !  They  reflect 
much  credit  on  the  excellent  work  inspired  by  the 
dancing  and  musical  clubs  ;  also  on  the  genius  and 
culture  of  the  vocalists,  and  the  marvelous  efficiency 
of  a  well-directed  co-operative  effort.  This  triumph 
in  a  new  field,  which  so  increases  the  possibilities  of 
soul  expression,  suggests  the  use  of  music  as  a 


266  SOLARIS  FARM. 

prime  factor  in  all  future  systems  for  ethical  culture. 

"Now  Fillmore,  please  tell  me.  How  has  the  ex 
ample  of  Solaris  farm,  affected  the  industrial,  social, 
and  political  situation  in  this  town  and  county  ?  " 

"The  effect  has  been  favorable  in  every  way! 
The  attractiveness  of  our  social  organization  !  the 
financial  success  which  has  crowned  our  farming 
and  manufacturing  operations  ;  the  opportunities 
offered  for  young  men  to  learn  so  much  of  the  in 
dustrial  arts  ;  the  short  hours  of  light  labor ;  the 
long  hours  of  leisure  for  rest,  study  and  amusement; 
the  educational,  health  -  giving  character,  of  the 
amusements  ;  the  fascination,  of  the  club-system  of 
education  for  adults  ;  the  irresistible  charm,  of  the 
dancing  and  vocal  entertainments ;  the  generous 
wages  paid  to  the  co-operators,  which  affords  for 
them  such  an  abundant  supply  of  food,  clothing  and 
books  ;  the  fine  quality  and  perfect  reliability  of  the 
large  assortment  of  goods  in  the  farm-store ;  the 
advantages  of  a  rational  scheme  of  insurance,  which 
stands  as  an  absolute  safe-guard  against  accidents, 
sickness  and  old-age  ;  the  improved  conditions  for 
women,  which  largely  relieves  them  from  the  irri 
tating,  nerve-destroying  worry,  of  a  constant  burden 
of  household  cares  ;  the  fostering  care  for  children, 
which  insures  for  them  ideal  opportunities  for  birth, 
unfoldment  and  education ;  the  manifest  advantage 
of  farming  on  a  scale  large  enough  to  allow  the  use 
of  the  latest  and  best  labor-saving  machinery  ;  the 
astonishing  array  of  huge,  modern  barns,  storing, 
curing  and  packing  houses  ;  the  wonderful  cheap 
ness  and  utility  of  the  electric  power ;  the  long  list 
of  farm  implements,  many  of  them  especially  in 
vented,  which  followed  the  introduction  of  this  mag 
ic-working  power  ;  the  wide  publicity  given  to  these 


SOLARIS  FARM.  267 

things  through  the  columns  of  the  Solaris  Sentinel, 
our  weekly  farm  paper,  sent  free  to  friends  of  the 
colonists,  and  to  all  who  ask  for  it ;  considered  alto 
gether  as  a  comprehensive  whole,  is  a  startling  com 
bination,  which  has  arrested  the  attention,  aroused 
the  interest  and  provoked  the  astonishment  of  sur 
rounding  communities,  far  and  near.  As  a  conse 
quence,  our  office  has  been  overwhelmed  with  a  flood 
of  correspondence  from  interested  enquirers,  fol 
lowed  by  an  ever-increasing  stream  of  visitors  to 
Solaris,  to  see  for  themselves,  the  verity  of  this 
twentieth  century  model  of  farm  innovation.  In  order 
to  answer  the  great  bulk  of  queries,  emanating  from 
these  two  sources,  a  series  of  articles  describing  the 
object  and  purpose,  and  explaining  the  details  of  the 
enterprise,  has  been  prepared  for  the  columns  of 
the  Sentinel.  With  an  extra  large  edition  of  this 
newspaper,  we  are  prepared  to  supply  as  many  in 
terested  people  as  may  apply. 

"The  applications  to  join  the  company,  made  by 
progressive  young  farmers  in  this  and  adjacent 
counties,  have  become  so  frequent  and  persistent, 
that  finally  we  have  consented  to  prepare  the  lead 
ers  for  another  co-operative  colony,  which  we  pro 
pose  to  locate  on  a  certain  one,  of  the  nine  remaining 
Fenwick-farm-sites,  which  happens  to  be  in  this 
county,  only  ten  miles  d-stant  from  Solaris.  This 
preparatory  class,  is  limited  to  fifty  people ;  one- 
half  females,  married  couples  ranging  from  eighteen 
to  twenty-five  years  of  age,  preferred.  The  course 
for  this  class,  contemplates  one  year  of  practical 
work,  embracing  all  departments  of  the  farm. 

"The  membership  of  this  class,  was  filled  six 
months  ago.  Six  months  hence,  the  graduates  will 
be  prepared  to  organize  the  new  colony.  I  am 


268  SOLARIS  FARM. 

greatly  interested  in  the  scheme,  and  have  promised 
to  aid  in  every  possible  way. 

"To  this  body  of  pupils,  is  referred  all  applica 
tions  from  prospective  co-operators.  Judging  from 
the  mass  of  applications  already  accumulated,  when 
the  time  of  organization  for  the  new  colony  arrives, 
the  list  of  eligible  applicants  will  probably  contain  a 
thousand  names.  The  outlook  for  the  new  farm 
company,  seems  unusually  bright ! 

' '  Both  board  and  tuition  for  these  pupils,  are  do 
nated  by  Solaris  Farm.  At  the  end  of  the  year, 
$100  in  Solaris  scrip,  will  be  paid  to  each  one,  as 
some  sort  of  compensation  for  the  year's  work.  This 
arrangement  is  accepted  by  the  pupils,  as  fair  and 
perfectly  satisfactory. 

"Referring  to  the  relations  existing  between  the 
Solaris  Farm  Company,  and  the  township  and  county 
officials.  It  is  noteworthy,  that  no  serious  friction 
has  arisen.  One  year  ago,  a  large  proportion  of 
town  officers,  including  the  assessor,  town  clerk, 
magistrate  and  chairman  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors, 
were  chosen  from  Solaris.  Owing  to  the  small, 
much- scattered,  population  of  this  county,  the  pres 
ent  county  sheriff,  auditor  and  treasurer,  are  also 
Solaris  co-operators.  The  manifest  integrity  of  this 
institution,  seems  to  be  accepted  by  the  voters  of 
the  county,  as  a  guarantee  of  the  honesty  and  abil 
ity  of  its  members.  The  significance  of  this  approval, 
so  early  in  the  history  of  the  movement,  augurs 
well  for  the  future  dominancy  of  our  social  and  in 
dustrial  system,  as  a  political  factor  in  both  town 
and  county. 

* '  The  Solaris  Company  has  erected  a  roomy,  sub 
stantial  building,  for  the  use  of  the  town  officials, 
for  which  a  moderate  rent  is  paid  from  the  town- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  269 

treasury.  The  county  officers  have  secured  one  hun 
dred  acres  of  land  two  miles  from  Solaris,  just  out 
side  the  farm  limits.  On  this,  they  propose  to  erect 
a  suitable  brick  building  for  the  county  offices. 
The  farm  company,  now  has  the  contract  to  furnish 
the  brick  and  erect  the  building.  Pending  its  com 
pletion,  the  county  officials  occupy  rented  quarters 
in  Solaris,  which  is  by  far  the  largest  business 
center  in  the  county.  Prom  this  statement  of  the 
situation,  you  will  observe  that  our  co-operative  vote 
already  holds  a  balance  of  power,  which  controls  the 
policy  of  both  town  and  county.  With  the  advent  of 
Colony  number  2,  the  interests  of  co-operation  in 
this  county,  are  secure  for  all  time.  Meanwhile,  we 
are  encouraged  to  hope  that  before  the  close  of  the 
twentieth  century,  what  co-operation  has  already 
achieved  at  Solaris,  may  be  accomplished  in  every 
town,  county  and  state  in  the  Republic  ! 

"You  ask,  what  disposition  is  made  of  the  salaries 
of  such  co-operators  as  are  elected  to  fill  town  and 
county  offices  ? 

"They  are  paid  in  scrip.  The  salaries  or  fees 
which  they  receive  from  town  or  county,  are  turned 
into  the  company  treasury.  As  these  co-operators, 
in  holding  such  offices,  are  in  a  position  to  materi 
ally  aid  the  co-operative  movement.  They  are  just 
ly  excused  from  farm-work,  whenever  their  official 
duties  require  attention." 

' '  Splendid  !  my  dear  Pillmore  !  Your  report  is 
very  interesting,  and  even  more  encouraging  !  It 
seems  the  beginning  of  a  fulfillment  of  my  father's 
hopes,  dreams  and  prophecies  !  I  am  anxious  for 
the  time  to  come,  when  he  can  tell  you  how  much  he 
is  pleased  with  your  work  !  " 


270  SOLARIS   FARM. 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

SOLARIS   SCRIP. 

"  RETURNING  again,  Fillmore,  to  the  financial  oper 
ations  of  the  farm ;  with  such  a  volume  of  business 
to  transact,  how  do  you  manage  to  get  along  with 
out  having  recourse  to  some  local  bank  ?  " 

"To  a  large  extent,  we  do  our  own  banking  busi 
ness.  Our  treasurer,  has  his  office  in  the  cash  room 
of  the  store.  In  this  room  we  have  a  large  vault, 
containing  a  fire-proof  safe  of  the  latest  type.  The 
books,  records  and  funds  of  the  company,  are  all 
kept  in  this  safe.  For  our  commercial  business,  we 
have  selected  one  of  the  principal  banks  of  St.  Louis 
as  our  bank  of  deposit.  A  large  percentage  of  pur 
chases  for  the  store  and  farm  are  made  in  that  city, 
which  is  also  a  market  for  the  bulk  of  our  farm 
produce. 

' '  The  farm  company  has  an  office  near  the  bank, 
where  some  member  of  the  executive  committee,  or 
other  representative  of  the  company,  may  be  found 
every  business  day  of  the  year.  It  is  the  duty  of 
this  agent  to  attend  to  purchases,  consignments  and 
sales ;  also  to  have  charge  of  all  business  transacted 
through  the  bank  of  deposit.  Taking  care,  to  keep 
the  amount  of  available  funds  up  to  the  ten  thousand 
dollar  mark.  To  do  this,  it  sometimes  becomes  nec 
essary  for  the  company  to  issue  drafts  on  the  bank 
of  deposit  for  thirty,  sixty  and  ninety  days.  These 
drafts  are  accepted  by  dealers,  for  purchases  made 
in  Chicago,  Cincinnati,  Philadelphia  or  New  York, 
the  same  as  cash. 

"As  borrowers,  our  only  dealings  have  been  with 


SOLARIS  FARM.  271 

you.  '  In  these  dealings,  at  times  when  much  in 
need  of  more  capital,  we  have  not  been  required  to 
pay  interest.  Now,  having  returned  our  borrowed 
capital,  and  being  free  from  debt,  we  have  grown 
more  independent  and  self  -  sustaining ;  therefore 
more  averse  to  the  idea  of  paying  interest  to  any 
one.  We  are  convinced  by  past  experience,  that  all 
necessity  for  incurring  interest-bearing  obligations 
can  be  avoided.  The  use  of  Solaris  Scrip  in  all  inter 
colonial  transactions,  has  proved  a  most  potent  fac 
tor  in  helping  us  to  arrive  at  such  a  fortunate  con 
clusion.  By  its  use,  ninety  per  cent  of  our  business 
can  be  transacted  on  a  cash  basis,  without  using  one 
cent  of  actual  cash.  In  addition,  we  can  use  it  as  a 
basis  on  which  to  borrow.  To  illustrate  !  Suppose 
we  need  ten  thousand  dollars  to  replenish  the  stock 
of  goods  in  the  store,  pending  the  sale  of  products 
on  hand.  We  borrow  that  amount  from  the  insur 
ance  fund,  the  sum  being  part  of  the  accumulated 
profits  on  sales  at  the  store  and  restaurant.  We 
then  replace  this  sum  by  scrip  of  the  same  face 
value.  This  scrip,  to  the  pensioner  or  beneficiaries, 
is  the  same  as  cash.  When  they  have  drawn  and 
spent  it,  the  debt  is  cancelled.  No  interest  is  paid. 
The  store  and  restaurant  become  the  clearing  house, 
through  which  these  drafts  against  the  resources  of 
the  farm  are  liquidated.  In  the  same  way,  tempor 
ary  loans  can  be  made  from  other  funds,  whenever 
it  is  for  the  benefit  of  the  united  interests  of  the  co- 
operators  to  do  so. 

"How  is  it  possible,  you  ask,  to  keep  perfect  con 
trol  of  such  a  large  issue  of  scrip,  with  a  certainty 
that  all  in  use  is  genuine  ? 

"That  is  a  matter  which  is  easily  regulated  by 
our  simple  system  of  issue.  In  the  first  place,  we 


272  SOLARIS  FARM. 

print  the  scrip  here  at  Solaris,  from  plates  which, 
when  not  in  use,  are  kept  in  the  safe,  in  the  custody 
of  the  treasurer.  The  five  denominations  issued, 
are  as  follows  :  five,  two,  and  one  dollar  bills;  which, 
together  with  the  fifty  and  twenty -five- cent,  frac 
tional-currency  scrip,  make  up  the  list.  Every  de 
nomination  has  a  numbered  series,  of  ten  thousand. 
Each  series,  with  the  stubs  attached  to  the  bills, 
is  bound  in  book  form.  When  issued,  each  stub  re 
maining  in  the  book,  will  show  the  date  of  issue,  seri 
al  number,  and  amount  of  the  issued  bill.  When  can 
celled,  the  bills  are  returned  to  the  book,  and  again 
attached  to  the  stub  to  which  they  belong.  At  any 
time,  an  examination  of  the  books  of  issued  and  un 
issued  scrip  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer,  will  give 
the  amount  outstanding.  The  co-operators  are  re 
quested  to  keep  a  record  of  the  serial  numbers  of 
the  scrip  they  hold  or  handle,  and  to  report  the  loss 
or  destruction  of  such  as  may  happen.  A  history  of 
the  loss  is  attached  to  the  stub,  and  the  amount  of 
the  bill  carried  to  the  profit  and  loss  account  of  the 
company. 

"If  the  genuineness  of  any  piece  of  scrip  should 
be  questioned,  a  comparison  with  the  stub  should 
show  the  same  date,  number,  amount  and  serrated 
edges,  made  by  the  peculiar  pattern  of  the  perfor 
ator  belonging  to  that  series.  If  so,  the  bill  must  be 
genuine.  As  time  passes,  we  are  more  than  ever 
convinced  of  the  wonderful  advantage  gained  by  the 
use  of  this  scrip.  Our  people  find  it  much  lighter 
and  more  desirable  to  carry  and  use,  than  the  same 
amount  of  gold  or  silver  coin ;  therefore  they  fre 
quently  request  to  be  allowed  to  exchange  coin  for 
scrip.  In  summing  up  my  replies  to  your  questions: 
it  seems  probable,  from  the  constantly  increasing 


SOLARIS  FARM.  273 

volume  of  business,  that  the  company  will  soon  be 
obliged  to  take  a  charter  that  will  authorize  it  to  do 
a  complete  banking  business." 


CHAPTER   XXXIV. 

THE    INSURANCE    OFFERED   BY    CO-OPERATIVE 
FARMING. 

"I  NOTICE,  Pillmore,  that  you  mention  the  bor 
rowing  of  ten  thousand  dollars  from  the  insurance 
fund ;  the  same  being  a  part  of  the  accumulated 
profits  on  the  business  of  the  store  and  restaurant. 
Tell  me ;  how  is  it  possible  for  so  large  a  sum  to  be 
saved  in  such  a  short  time  ?  " 

"  A  complete  answer  to  your  question,  will  bring 
up  the  whole  subject  of  insurance  ;  which  pre 
sents  some  interesting  problems.  I  will  first  try  to 
give  you  the  basis  for  such  an  amount  of  savings. 
The  net  per-deim  pay  of  $2.50  for  each  adult  mem 
ber  of  the  company,  will  give  an  annual  income  of  a 
little  more  than  $900.  If  we  include  an  added  pro 
rata  for  the  children,  each  one  will  spend  annually 
at  least  $450  with  the  store  for  goods  ;  and  $350  with 
the  restaurant  for  food  Our  statistics  show  much 
larger  sums ;  but  these  will  do  for  an  estimate. 
Taking  these  figures  for  a  basis,  we  find  that  the 
annual  sales  made  to  our  own  people  by  the  store 
and  restaurant  combined,  reach  the  startling  sum  of 
$400, 000.  A  net  profit  of  five  per  cent  on  this  amount, 
gives  $20,000  each  year  to  the  insurance  fund.  At 
this  rate,  the  profits  for  thirty  months,  reach  the 
goodly  sum  of  $50,000.  To  which  we  may  add  $2,- 


274  SOLARIS  FARM. 

500  more,  as  profits  on  sales  to  the  amount  of  $50,000, 
made  during  that  period  by  the  store  and  restaurant, 
to  people  from  surrounding  communities.  Alto 
gether,  we  have  a  grand  up-to-date  total  for  the  in 
surance  fund  of  |52, 500.  These  profits  will  continue 
to  increase  with  larger  sales  to  outside  people  ;  also 
with  the  increased  wages  or  incomes  of  the  co-oper 
ators,  as  the  products  and  profits  of  the  farm  con 
tinue  to  grow. 

' '  Such  favorable  statistics  are  very  encouraging. 
They  demonstrate  that  only  a  five  per  cent  profit 
will  be  needed,  to  meet  all  future  demands  against 
the  insurance  fund,  even  when  the  colony  has  its 
maximum  number  of  children  and  superannuated  co- 
operators.  The  remaining  profits,  which  in  some 
departments  of  the  store  are  large,  may  wisely  be 
devoted  to  educational  and  missionary  work. 

"Prom  another  point  of  view,  this  eloquent  array 
of  figures,  has  an  additional  value.  They  show  con 
clusively,  that  the  restaurant  alone  furnishes  a  home 
market  annually  for  $175,000  worth  of  farm  produce: 
beef,  mutton,  pork,  lard,  honey,  syrup,  milk,  butter, 
cheese,  eggs,  poultry,  vegetables,  fruits  and  grains. 

"If  we  consider  the  sales  made  by  the  store,  we 
find  after  deducting  the  cost  of  raw  material,  that  at 
least  fifty  per  cent  of  the  goods  purchased  by  our 
people,  are  really  the  products  of  the  skilled  labor 
of  the  farm  :  such  as  crockery,  furniture,  willow 
ware,  picture  frames,  brushes,  clothing,  underwear, 
bed  furnishings,  and  goods  from  the  tailoring,  dress 
making  and  millinery  departments.  From  this  show 
ing  it  will  appear,  that  the  store  becomes  a  home 
market  each  year,  for  farm  products  to  the  amount 
of  $112,500.  To  this,  let  us  add  the  sums  of  sales 
through  the  restaurant,  and  those  made  through  the 


SOLARIS  FARM.  275 

markets  of  the  outside  world.  Altogether,  we  have 
a  grand  total  of  $787,500  for  the  market  value  of 
farm  products  last  year. 

"Does  this  exhibit  appeal  to  you  as  a  reasonable 
basis  for  the  accumulated  savings  named  in  your 
questions  ?  " 

' '  I  am  sure  the  exhibit  has  astonished  me  greatly ! 
Your  figures  and  statements  are  both  fascinating 
and  convincing.  They  are  all,  most  excellent  argu 
ments  in  favor  of  co-operative  methods.  I  now  per 
ceive  that  even  on  the  basis  of  present  conditions,  a 
five  per  cent  profit  turned  into  the  insurance  fund,  at 
the  end  of  the  first  ten  years,  will  amount  to  the  ex 
traordinary  sum  of  $200,000.  With  this  magnificent 
fund,  you  can  afford  to  extend  the  scope  of  your 
original  plan  !  How  will  you  dispose  of  it  ?  At 
what  age  do  you  propose  to  retire  the  active 
workers  ?  " 

* '  Yes,  our  original  plans  have  been  changed,  and 
very  much  enlarged.  The  insurance  fund  has  grown 
so  rapidly,  that  it  was  deemed  wise  to  expend  a  por 
tion  of  it,  in  building  a  hospital  for  the  accommoda 
tion  of  our  farm  people,  and  perhaps  a  few  outside 
patients.  .Last  year,  a  two-story  and  basement  brick 
building,  was  erected  just  in  the  heart  of  our  finest 
shrubbery  dotted  lawn,  some  distance  from  the  pub 
lic  square.  It  is  large  enough  for  about  one  hun 
dred  patients.  Viewed  from  any  point,  it  presents 
a  charming  appearance.  It  is  conceded  by  all  to  be 
the  handsomest  structure  on  the  farm.  Inside,  with 
its  polished  floors,  magnificent  windows,  large  rooms, 
high,  beautifully  frescoed  walls  and  ceilings,  dainty 
couches,  cozy  chairs,  and  wide,  breezy  halls,  with 
picture- laden  walls  ;  every  condition  is  present  to 
satisfy  the  highest  ideal  of  sick-room  comfort. 


276  SOLARIS  FARM, 

Brighter,  sunnier,  more  health-inspiring  rooms  never 
soothed, charmed  or  healed  a  nerve  shattered  patient! 

' '  Under  the  supervision  of  the  sanitary  committee, 
the  hospital  at  present,  is  in  charge  of  a  young  sur 
geon  employed  by  the  company.  His  services  are 
utilized  in  teaching  and  preparing  a  class  of  trained 
nurses.  He  also  teaches  the  members  of  the  chem 
istry  and  physiology  clubs,  in  their  new  study  rooms 
at  the  hospital.  At  a  later  period  this  surgeon  will 
be  superseded  by  two  of  our  own  people.  A  young 
woman  and  a  young  man,  both  with  some  previous 
knowledge  of  pharmacy,  who  have  been  in  charge 
of  the  drug  department  at  the  store ;  have  recently 
developed  a  strong  desire  to  take  a  thorough  course 
of  medicine  and  surgery  at  some  leading  school. 
Upon  the  recommendation  of  the  general  manager, 
approved  by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  co-operators, 
the  expense  of  this  schooling  is  to  be  taken  from  the 
insurance  fund,  with  the  understanding  however, 
that  after  graduating,  they  are  to  relieve  the  com 
pany  of  the  expense  of  a  hired  surgeon,  by  taking 
permanent  charge  of  the  hospital,  or  as  our  people 
have  christened  it,  the  '  Temple  of  health.  ' 

"Relative  to  the  question  of  retiring  members  of 
the  company;  much  thought  and  discussion  on  the 
part  of  our  officers  and  co-operators,  has  been  re 
quired,  to  properly  and  wisely  fix  the  age  at  which 
such  retirement  shall  take  place. 

"Many  important  questions  have  been  considered. 
Our  present  colony,  as  you  know,  is  composed  of 
young  people,  as  a  rule  not  yet  thirty  years  of  age. 
Individually  they  possess  strong,  disease-resisting, 
vital  organizations,  which  have  been  reinforced  by 
harmonious,  mental  and  physical  development.  This 
immunity  from  disease  to  such  a  large  extent,  has 


SOLARIS  FARM.  277 

been  still  further  strengthened  and  fortified,  by  the 
beneficial  effects  of  our  organized  sanitary,  social 
and  industrial  methods.  These  methods  have  lifted 
the  weary  burden  of  toil  from  our  people,  and  sub 
stituted  therefor,  a  light  exhilarating  labor,  simply 
healthful  exercise.  Under  such  favorable  conditions, 
our  workers  ought  to  reach  the  age  of  fifty,  with 
health  and  vigor  still  unimpared.  For  the  reasons 
named,  very  few  of  our  co-operators,  outside  the 
ranks  of  the  mother's  club,  are  at  present  entitled  on 
account  of  either  illness  or  accident,  to  draw  their 
wages  from  the  insurance  fund.  Fortunately,  so  far, 
not  one  has  become  permanently  disabled !  All 
things  considered,  it  was  not  unexpected,  when  a 
final  vote  on  the  question  was  taken,  that  a  majority 
was  found  to  be  in  favor  of  fixing  the  age  of  retire 
ment  at  fifty  years. 

' '  This  decision  will  give  the  farm  company,  twenty 
years  in  which  to  prepare  for  the  event.  In  the 
light  of  our  past  experience,  no  one  doubts  our 
ability  to  accumulate  an  adequate  fund,  with  which 
to  meet  the  additional  drain  upon  it.  This  drain 
will  prove  a  heavy  one,  as  the  retired  pay  of  the  co- 
operators,  who  have  reached  the  age  of  fifty,  has 
been  fixed  at  two- thirds  of  their  present  pay,  that  is, 
fifty  dollars  per  month  or  $600  per  annum.  Premis 
ing  that  the  maximum  number  on  the  retired  list  at 
any  one  time  will  not  exceed  fifty;  the  total  annual 
retired  pay  will  then  amount  to  $30,000. 

"The  following  plan  has  been  devised  to  meet  this 
additional  expenditure.  It  has  been  demonstrated 
conclusively,  that  five  years  hence,  the  income  of 
the  farm,  will  warrant  the  increase  of  the  wages  of 
each  member  of  the  company,  to  $1,500  per  year. 
At  least  $1,200  of  this  amount,  will  be  spent  at  the 


278  SOLARIS  FARM. 

store  or  restaurant.  We  shall  then  have  a  new 
basis  for  calculating  the  five  per  cent  profit  for  the 
insurance  fund  ;  that  is,  $600,000  annually,  which 
will  give  $30,000  each  year  for  the  fund.  Allowing 
that  savings  at  the  present  rate,  $20,000  per  annum, 
for  seven  and  one- half  years,  aggregating  $150,000  ; 
will  prove  ample  for  incidental  needs,  until  the  time 
for  the  retirement  of  the  first  co-operator  !  We  cal 
culate  that  fifteen  years  of  savings  on  the  new  basis, 
will  give  us  twenty  years  hence,  a  fund  of  $450,000 
to  commence  with. 

"If  practical  experience  should  prove  that  larger 
savings  are  necessary  ;  an  additional  two  and  one- 
half  per  cent  profit,  may  be  set  aside  for  this  fund, 
without  seriously  curtailing  the  sums  devoted  to 
educational  and  missionary  purposes.  This  will 
surely  cover  all  possible  contingencies.  More  especi 
ally,  as  seven  and  one-half  per  cent  of  all  retired 
pay,  will  come  back  to  the  fund  as  profits  on  pur 
chases — active  workers  having  taken  the  place  of 
the  retired  members.  Considering  the  generous  an 
nuity  provided  by  this  insurance,  together  with  the 
fact  that  the  wants  of  the  pensioners  will  become 
fewer  as  age  increases  ;  doubtless,  at  the  end  of 
each  year,  many  of  them  will  turn  back  into  the 
fund,  considerable  sums  of  unused  pay. 

"As  another  important  factor,  connected  with  the 
question  of  this  kind  of  insurance,  it  should  be  well 
understood,  that  after  reaching  the  age  of  retire 
ment,  our  members  do  not  cease  to  be  valuable  pro 
ductive  workers,  either  for  the  financial  gain  of  the 
colony,  or  for  the  general  welfare  of  the  movement, 
which  the  colony  represents.  On  the  contrary,  in 
many  cases,  their  services  are  liable  to  become  more 
valuable  than  ever  before.  Between  the  ages  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  279 

fifty  and  sixty,  they  remain  subject  to  assignments 
to  serve  on  committees,  to  act  as  traveling  agents 
for  the  company,  to  represent  the  company  as  lectu 
rers  and  organizers,  for  the  spread  of  the  movement; 
to  act  as  aids  to  the  teachers  in  the  schools  and  the 
numerous  clubs.  They  are  also  eligible  to  election 
as  town,  county,  state  or  United  States  officials.  In 
committee  work,  connected  with  the  store  and  the 
various  factories,  their  riper  judgment,  based  on 
many  years  of  experience,  would  prove  especially 
valuable :  often  by  timely  advice,  they  would  be 
able  to  save  for  the  company  in  one  transaction,  an 
amount  in  money  more  than  equal  to  their  entire 
wages  for  the  year. 

"In  another  way  their  services  would  prove  equal 
ly  advantageous.  With  such  an  increase  of  leisure, 
there  would  come  to  these  retired  co  operators,  a 
desire,  and  the  opportunity,  to  enter  more  actively 
into  the  practical  work  of  the  scientific  clubs.  If 
inclined,  they  could  take  up  all  kinds  of  scientific 
research  ;  making  themselves  especially  useful  in 
the  practical,  productive  and  profitable  work  of  the 
educational,  microscopical,  chemical  and  photograph 
ic  clubs.  Those  who  had  a  talent  for  invention, 
could  then  devote  as  much  time,  energy  and  thought 
toiit,  as  they  chose.  To  aid  them,  they  would  have 
the  advantage  of  an  acquired  skill  in  the  use  of 
tools,  and  of  all  kinds  of  complicated  machinery, 
which  would  be  a  part  of  the  outfit  belonging  to  the 
thoroughly  equipped  machine  shop  at  their  disposal. 
In  the  laboratory,  they  could  find  the  books,  maps, 
and  drawings,  necessary  to  bring  them  up  to  date  in 
any  line  of  invention  which  they  might  chose  to 
enter. 

"Taking   these  important   factors   into   consider- 


280  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ation,  we  discover  that  our  co-operative  inventor, 
would  be  armed  to  conquer  his  subject  by  a  magnifi 
cent  equipment,  such  as  an  ordinary  inventor  could 
not  hope  to  command. 

"So  ably  reinforced  by  the  advantages  enumer 
ated,  our  corps  of  inventors,  of  both  sexes,  would  be 
inspired  by  a  labor  of  love.  Unbiased  by  any  sel 
fish  motives,  they  would  be  working  for  the  farm  and 
for  humanity.  With  no  cause  to  distrust  their  fel 
lows,  they  could  openly  discuss  their  discoveries, 
without  fear  of  having  them  stolen;  consequently, 
they  could  have  the  willing  assistance  of  all  the  in 
ventive  minds  in  the  colony,  in  developing  and  per 
fecting  their  original  inventions.  This  would  be  an 
experience  utterly  unheard  of,  in  the  annals  of  an  in 
dustry  based  on  the  competitive  system.  It  would 
be  the  beginning  of  co-operative  invention  as  an  art. 
It  would  mark  another  great  step  in  harmonious, 
practical  and  profitable  co-operative  thinking,  that 
would  lead  to  discoveries  of  vast  importance  to  the 
world;  discoveries  that  could  not  be  made  in  any 
other  way.  It  is  difficult  for  even  the  most  enthusi 
astic  optimist  to  imagine,  wThat  a  revolution  in  the 
inventive  world,  will  follow  the  introduction  of  such 
superior  co-operative  methods ;  or  what  wonders 
will  be  wrought  by  them,  before  the  close  of  the  first 
half  of  the  twentieth  century! 

"Let  us  consider  what  they  might  do  for  our 
superannuated  farmers.  Quickened  by  such  an  added 
potency  of  perfect,  co-operative,  mental,  conditions, 
our  inventors  would  naturally  aspire  to  still  higher 
achievements.  Each  year  they  would  be  able  to 
produce  many  valuable  inventions,  which  could  not 
be  used  by  the  farm,  but  which  could  be  sold  by  £he 
company  after  being  patented,  for  good  round  sums 


SOLARIS  FARM. 

in  cash  !  In  this  way  it  becomes  evident,  tnat  our 
old  members  might  prove  the  most  prolific  cash  pro 
ducers  on  the  farm.  It  is  even  possible,  and  quite 
probable,  that  the  sale  of  one  invention,  might  bring 
to  the  company,  a  sum  of  money,  more  than  equal  to 
the  combined  pensions  of  the  retired  co-operators 
for  one  year.  From  this  particular  source,  would 
flow  an  additional  fund  for  educational  work  in  push 
ing  the  movement  before  the  public. 

"Viewed  in  this  light,  to  be  retired  on  two- thirds 
pay  at  the  age  of  fifty,  is  simply  a  matter  of  justice  ! 
When  justice  is  done,  the  mission  of  charity  is 
finished ! 

' '  In  considering  the  growing  interest  in  the  insur 
ance  question  among  people  of  the  outside  world,  we 
find  great  numbers  of  laboring  people,  and  of  small 
farmers  everywhere,  who  are  beginning  to  under 
stand  that  it  is  a  question  of  vital  importance,  an 
open  gateway  through  which  they  may  gain  access 
to  the  broad  fields  of  abundance.  Every  day,  both 
by  observation  aud  experience,  they  are  taught  that 
without  the  aid  of  some  special  insurance,  nine  out 
of  ten  who  start  in  business  fail.  Also,  that  nine 
farmers  out  of  ten,  who  start  with  a  meagre  capital, 
after  twenty  years  of  constant  toil,  find  themselves 
the  slaves  of  some  money  lender  who  holds  a  mort 
gage  on  the  farm.  These  mortgages  are  largely  the 
result  of  a  hopeful  struggle  on  the  farmer's  part,  in 
a  last  vain  effort  to  compete  with  the  expensive 
methods  of  syndicate  and  bonanza  farms. 

"No  wonder  the  average  worker  is  anxious  to  dis 
cover  some  method  of  insurance,  that  will  safe 
guard  him  against  the  disasters  which  have  over 
whelmed  so  many  of  his  predecessors  !  No  wonder 
these  workers  come  to  believe  it  possible,  that  out 


282  SOLARIS  FARM. 

of  a  given  number  of  say  one  thousand  men,  who 
start  in  life  without  capital,  except  such  as  they 
possess  in  ordinary  health  and  strength ;  at  least 
fifty  per  cent  are  liable  to  die  in  the  poor-house,  or 
in  some  way  become  helpless  dependents  on  charity ! 
Against  such  an  alarming  proposition,  the  average 
optimist  or  plutocrat,  cries  out,  impossible  !  No, 
No  !  In  this  Republic,  such  things  could  never  hap 
pen  !  Besides,  how  preposterous  !  Don't  you  know, 
that  the  general  prosperity  of  the  country  was  never 
greater  than  now  !  Why  the  wealth  of  the  nation  is 
growing  at  a  marvelous  rate  !  Never  before,  were 
fortunes  made  so  easily  !  The  way  is  open  for  every 
industrious  man  ;  no  matter  how  poor  he  may  be  at 
the  start.  If  people  come  to  want  in  the  midst  of 
such  golden  opportunities,  they  have  only  them 
selves  to  blame. 

"By  way  of  an  answer  to  these  optimistic  assert 
ions,  let  us  apply  the  figures  collected  by  Prof.  A. 
G.  Warner,  published  in  his  'American  Charities.' 
In  this  book  he  has  tabulated  the  results  of  fifteen 
investigations,  both  in  this  country  and  abroad,  into 
the  actual  causes  of  poverty.  These  investigations 
embrace  over  one  hundred  thousand  individual  cases, 
found  in  the  cities  of  Baltimore,  New  York,  Boston, 
Cincinnati,  London,  England,  and  seventy-six  cities 
in  Germany.  In  the  causes  of  poverty  stated,  eleven 
per  cent  are  due  to  intemperance,  ten  and  three- 
tenths  per  cent  to  other  kinds  of  misconduct ;  while 
seventy-four  and  four-tenths  per  cent  are  due  to  mis 
fortune,  such  as  poorly-paid  work,  lack  of  work, 
sickness,  etc.  Here,  we  have  actual  proof  that 
seventy-five  thousand  in  the  ranks  of  this  vast  army 
of  poverty-stricken  people,  were  reduced  to  such 
straits,  by  causes  which  they  could  not  control. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  283 

How  dreadful  the  significance  of  these  terrible  fig 
ures  !  What  a  blot  they  become,  on  the  fair  page  of 
progress  achieved  by  the  nineteenth  century !  What 
a  warning  to  the  people  of  the  twentieth  !  What  an 
indictment  against  existing,  social,  and  industrial 
conditions  !  What  argument  could  be  more  convinc 
ing,  or  demand  more  imperatively,  the  immediate 
adoption  of  co-operative  methods,  which  offer  abso 
lute  insurance  against  the  recurrence  of  such  cal 
amities  ? 

'  'As  relating  to  the  insurance  question,  and  by  the 
way  of  a  contrast  between  competitive  and  co-oper 
ative  methods,  let  us  consider  the  following  state 
ment. 

*  'We  learn  from  statistics,  that  for  the  family  of  a 
skilled  workman,  of  the  better  class — a  family  of 
five  persons — the  average  annual  cost  of  living  is 
$420.  This  includes  food,  shelter,  raiment,  fuel, 
laundry,  light,  water,  medical  attendance,  medicine, 
education  and  recreation. 

"Under  the  competitive  system,  to  earn  this  sum 
required,  on  the  part  of  the  adults  and  such  of  the 
children  as  were  able  to  work,  the  continuous  toil  of 
three  hundred  days,  twelve  hours  long — counting 
the  possible  workers  of  the  family  as  three,  and  the 
labor  day  as  twelve  hours  long — we  have  in  the 
aggregate,  say  eleven  thousand  weary  hours  of  this 
nerve  depressing  labor.  A  labor  often  performed  in 
the  midst  of  the  most  repulsive  and  unsanitary 
conditions ;  to  which  the  toilers  were  constantly 
goaded  by  the  cruel  spur  of  necessity.  This  is  a 
picture  of  the  living  expenses  and  daily  working  life 
of  a  family  of  the  superior  class,  far  above  the 
average  among  the  workers  under  the  competitive 
system. 


284  SOLARIS  FARM. 

"To  illustrate  what  the  co-operative  system  can 
do,  let  us  transfer  the  account  of  this  family,  to  a  co 
operative  agricultural  colony  like  this.  On  the  basis 
of  three  hundred  days  of  labor  annually,  we  should 
have  daily  for  the  two  adults — the  children  being 
in  school — six  hours  of  productive  labor  and  two 
hours  of  educative  labor,  an  aggregate  of  four  thous 
and,  eight  hundred  hours,  of  work  for  the  year. 
This  work  would  be  separated  by  such  generous 
periods  of  rest  and  recreation,  and  performed  amidst 
such  pleasant  surroundings,  that  the  worker  could 
truthfully  count  them  as  so  many  hours  spent  in 
necessary  healthful  exercise. 

"As  a  result  of  this  labor,  we  could  place  the 
annual  income  of  the  family  at  $1,800.  All  available, 
for  providing  the  very  best  of  food,  shelter,  clothing, 
heat,  light,  laundry,  hospital  service,  medical  attend 
ance,  medicine,  education  and  amusement.  Also 
superior  social  surroundings,  with  increased  facilities 
for  being  well  born ;  with  educative  advantages,  em 
bracing  a  higher  order  of  intellectual  amusements, 
art-culture,  musical  training,  and  industrial  skill. 

"In  addition,  the  family  would  enjoy  a  savings  ac 
count  of  generous  proportions,  represented  by  the 
constantly  increasing  value  of  the  farm,  its  stock, 
crops,  buildings,  store  and  goods,  material,  ma 
chinery,  industrial  plants,  orchards,  vineyards  and 
forests. 

"Still  better!  They  would  have  savings  in  the 
sinking  fund,  providing  land,  and  homes  for  their 
children  and  grand-children  in  a  long  line  of  future 
generations. 

"Best  of  all !  This  family  would  have  savings  in 
the  insurance  fund,  providing  for  an  old  age  of  ease 
and  comfort,  free  from  care,  sweetened  and  bright- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  285 

ened  by  leisure,  travel  and  the  refinements  of  study, 
art  and  music  ! 

4 '  In  striking  a  balance  between  these  two  accounts, 
we  discover  a  difference  in  favor  of  the  co-operative 
system,  with  its  magical  insurance,  which  is  wider, 
deeper  and  more  startling  than  the  difference  between 
the  illustrations  of  Dante's  Inferno,  and  the  descrip 
tions  of  Milton's  paradise ! 

"A  careful  study  of  this  insurance  question,  has 
taught  our  people  many  valuable  lessons.  They 
have  learned  to  consider  from  a  new  standpoint,  the 
object  and  purpose  of  life,  and  the  amount  of  work 
necessary  to  support  that  life. 

"They  have  learned  that  poverty  is  a  needless 
crime  against  progress,  which  can  and  must  be 
abolished  ! 

"They  have  learned,  that  in  these  days  of  general 
prosperity,  marked  by  a  wealth  of  labor-saving  ma 
chinery,  never  before  dreamed  possible,  co-opera 
tion  has  demonstrated,  that  an  average  of  but  six 
hours  each  day,  devoted  to  farm  work,  will  abund 
antly  supply  the  means  which  will  yield  them,  the 
highest  advantages  of  birth,  education,  amusement, 
and  everything  necessary  to  a  healthful  enjoyment 
of  life. 

"They  have  learned  that  the  true  purpose  of 
work,  is  not  to  make  and  hoard  money  ;  but  to  se 
cure  these  advantages  for  themselves  and  their 
children. 

"They  have  learned  that  money  is  not  a  necessity; 
that  it  is  only  the  means  to  an  end.  They  have 
learned  that  confidence  in  each  other,  among  mem 
bers  of  a  co-operative  colony,  working  unselfishly 
together,  largely  takes  the  place  of  money. 

"  They  have  learned  that  practical  education  equips 


286  SOLARIS  FARM. 

them  with  a  knowledge,  of  how  to  deal  justly  with 
each  other,  in  all  the  social  relations  of  life. 

"They  have  learned  that  the  pathway  which  leads 
to  success,  in  winning  the  largest  measure  of  all 
these  advantages,  is  reached  by  adopting  unselfish 
methods,  which  will  insure  the  welfare  of  all.  They 
have  learned  that  this  condition  may  be  attained  by 
building  up  co-operative  systems  that  furnish  re- 
numerative  self  employment,  and  at  the  same  time 
enables  them  to  enjoy  free  access  to  the  natural 
sources  of  life. 

' '  They  have  learned  that  this  free  access  cannot 
be  secured,  without  first  obtaining  permanent  con 
trol  of  the  necessary  tracts  of  land,  not  less  than  ten 
acres  per  capita.  They  have  learned  that  these 
tracts  should  contain  at  least  five  thousand  acres,  in 
order  to  properly  support  an  industrial  co-operative 
colony  of  one  thousand  people. 

"They  have  learned  that  the  social,  ethical  and 
intellectual  advantages  offered  to  the  individual,  by 
this  co  operative  colony  life,  are  even  greater  than 
those  relating  to  the  question  of  finance. 

' '  They  have  learned,  that  when  selfish  distrust  of 
each  other  is  once  banished  from  the  minds  of  the 
workers  by  the  force  of  repeated  examples  of  co 
operative  success ;  then,  it  will  be  practical  and 
easy  to  organize  the  farms  and  farm  laborers  of  this 
Republic,  with  its  army  of  the  poor  and  the  unem 
ployed  of  every  class,  into  systems  of  co-operative 
.farm  villages,  or  similar  industrial  associations. 

"In  this  knowledge  our  people  rejoice  !  They  are 
filled  with  an  unselfish  desire  to  spread  the  good 
news  broadcast !  Can  you,  my  dear  Fern  !  imagine 
for  them,  a  purpose  in  life  more  noble  or  more 
worthy  ?  " 


SOLARIS  FARM.  287 

"No,  my  dear  Fillmore  !  I  cannot !  So  eloquent 
ly  have  you  stated  the  case,  that  the  outlook  for  the 
future  is  glorious  !  How  graphically  you  have  pic 
tured  the  growing  importance  of  this  question  of  in 
surance  !  I  am  amazed,  and  more  deeply  interested 
than  ever  !  I  never  before  dreamed  it  possible,  that 
the  co-operative  farm  could  offer  so  much  defense 
against  the  calamities  of  life,  which  grow  out  of  the 
pinching  pressure  of  poverty  ! 

"The  scheme  for  providing  for  the  members  of 
the  Mother's  Club,  and  for  retiring  co-operators  at 
the  age  of  fifty,  meets  my  enthusiastic  approval ! 
I  am  sure  it  will  commend  itself  to  the  workers  and 
thinkers  of  the  world  '  To  me,  it  seems  admirable, 
from  every  point  of  view  ! " 


CHAPTER   XXXV. 
THE  MOTHER'S  CLUB. 

* '  MARK  it  well,  Fillmore  !  I  have  now  reached  a 
very  important  question.  What  have  you  to  tell  me 
about  stirpiculture,  as  a  part  of  the  co-operative 
farm  movement  ?  " 

"As  a  basis  for  the  preliminary  work,  we  have 
been  following  carefully,  the  suggestions  of  your 
father,  Fennimore  Fenwick.  You  will  remember,  my 
dear  Fern,  that  they  were  to  the  effect,  that  the 
children  of  the  farm,  should  be  the  crowning  glory 
of  all  its  products ;  that  it  should  be  the  province  of 
the  corporation  to  provide  for  the  children  of  the  co- 
operators,  every  advantage  of  favorable  pre-natal 
conditions,  birth,  unfoldment  and  education,  that 


288  SOLARIS  FARM. 

money  could  procure  for  the  wealthy.  Therefore, 
that  ideal  environments  for  mothers  and  mother 
hood,  must  be  created  and  maintained. 

"In  order  to  carry  out  these  epoch-making  ideas, 
such  of  our  matrons  as  are  willing  to  assume  the  con 
ditions,  responsibilities,  and  cares  of  motherhood, 
are  relieved  from  all  farm  work,  at  any  time  they 
may  chose.  However,  much  of  the  work  is  so  enjoy 
able,  and  affords  so  much  pleasant  exercise,  that 
many  of  them  become  volunteers.  Meanwhile,  they 
are  paid  regular  wages  from  our  insurance  fund. 
With  this  abundant  leisure  and  freedom  from  care, 
they  are  prepared  to  become  zealous  workers  in  the 
Mother's  Club. 

"Our  Mother's  Club  at  Solaris,  was  organized  by 
Gertrude  Gerrish,  as  the  fulfillment  of  a  long  cher 
ished  dream.  She  has  reason  to  be  proud  of  her 
work !  Like  that  other  Gertrude,  made  so  famous 
by  Pestalozzi's  charming  story,  Gertrude  Gerrish  is  a 
born  teacher,  an  ideal  mother,  one  of  nature's  noble 
women.  Much  of  the  success  attained  by  the  club, 
is  due  to  her  wonderful  power  as  a  leader.  Her  en 
thusiasm  is  infectious.  It  has  carried  all  obstacles 
before  it  To  this  self  appointed  task,  she  has  given 
her  best  energies,  a  rich  harvest  of  ripe  experience, 
with  its  fruitage  of  earnest  thought,  radiant  and 
glowing  with  the  genial  influence  of  her  sunny  tem 
perament,  and  withal,  rendered  more  potent,  by  an 
overflowing  love  from  the  deep  fountain  of  her  great 
mother  heart.  Is  it  a  matter  of  wonder,  that  she  is 
such  a  general  favorite  with  club  members !  Her 
word  they  accept  as  law.  Her  suggestions  as  com 
mands. 

''To  Gertrude  Gerrish,  motherhood  was  a  holy 
and  sacred  office,  which  demanded  from  its  devotees, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  289 

a  season  of  careful  preparation,  and  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  physiological  and  psychological 
laws,  which  govern  that  life-evolving  function,  that 
crowning  glory  of  womanhood.  She  seemed  to  be 
inspired  with  the  idea,  that  progress  has  ordained, 
that  unwilling,  ignorant  and  accidental  mothers, 
must  be  replaced  by  those  who  are  predetermined, 
properly  educated  and  fully  prepared.  These  ideas, 
she  has  endeavored  to  impress  most  forcibly,  upon 
the  minds  of  all  club  members.  She  has  also  taught 
them  the  importance  of  maintaining  joyous,  health 
ful,  mental  conditions ;  consequently,  of  carefully 
avoiding  all  emotions  of  selfishness,  cruelty,  anger, 
envy,  or  melancholy.  In  this  connection,  for  the 
purpose  of  creating  in  the  minds  of  our  club  mothers, 
as  many  good  and  pleasurable  emotions  as  possible, 
and  of  repeating  these  anabolic  emotions  so  often, 
that  they  may  become  dominant  during  the  entire 
gestative  period ;  Gertrude  Gerrish  has  wisely  plan 
ned  for  them,  a  great  deal  of  open  air  exercise,  study 
and  amusement. 

' '  The  study  of  botany,  and  botanizing  parties,  have 
become  very  popular.  These  prospective  mothers, 
have  quickly  learned  how  to  amuse  themselves,  by 
combining  study  with  pleasure.  When  organized 
into  congenial  outing  parties,  almost  every  fine  day 
they  may  be  found,  seated  in  the  luxuriously  ap 
pointed  motor  carriages  which  belong  to  the  club, 
ready  for  a  lively  spin  away  to  the  woods.  This 
gives  them  an  opportunity  to  enjoy  the  pure  air  and 
bright  sunshine,  the  wide,  undulating  landscape, 
tinted  by  the  exquisite  coloring  of  every  flowering 
plant,  shrub  and  tree.  How  delightful  to  them,  is 
the  restful  green  of  dewy  meadows  ;  the  sweet  music 
of  birds,  the  charming  chatter  and  playful  antics,  of 
10 


290  SOLARIS  FARM. 

the  swift-footed  squirrels  !  How  grateful,  the  leafy 
coolness  and  bracing  ozone  of  the  forest ;  the  dancing 
shadows  of  its  deep  glens,  with  their  garnered 
treasures  of  mosses  and  ferns  !  How  inspiring,  the 
merry  tinkle  of  the  clear  streamlet,  swiftly  flowing 
over  its  rocky  bed  ;  or  the  louder  roar  of  the  rushing 
waterfall,  where  drooping  boughs  glisten  and  sparkle 
with  spray-laden  foliage  !  All  these,  are  nature's 
matchless  charms,  which  appeal  to  our  young  mothers 
in  their  best  moments,  their  most  responsive  moods ; 
banishing  all  thoughts  of  evil,  awakening  in  their 
hearts,  new  spiritual  impulses,  feelings  of  worshipful 
adoration ;  emotions  of  the  highest  and  purest  order. 
Than  this,  nothing  could  prove  more  helpful  in 
maintaining  perfect  conditions  of  mental  and  spirit 
ual  serenity. 

"Inhaling  the  pure,  invigorating  air  of  the  country, 
far  from  the  dust  and  filth,  the  smoke  and  poisonous 
gases,  the  turmoil  and  strife,  the  ceaseless  din,  the 
selfishness  and  sin  of  the  great  city,  close  to  the 
fostering  bosom  of  mother  earth,  under  a  broad 
dome  of  blue  sky,  bathed  in  floods  of  golden  sun 
light,  exulting  in  the  exuberance  of  perfect  health, 
these  grateful  young  mothers,  realize  how  much  they 
owe  to  the  co-operative  farm  movement,  for  sur 
rounding  them  with  such  ideal  conditions  of  life. 

* '  They  realize,  the  great,  good  fortune  of  children, 
who  are  born  and  reared  in  the  midst  of  such  de 
lightful  environments.  They  perceive,  with  a  keen 
sense  of  sorrow,  that  children  who  are  born  and 
bred  away  from  these  rural  conditions,  are  robbed 
of  more  than  one-half  their  natural  rights.  They 
realize,  more  than  ever  before,  the  filth,  the  misery, 
the  squalor,  the  fetid  air,  and  the  unsanitary  con 
ditions,  of  our  great  cities.  They  shudder,  when 


SOLARIS  FARM.  291 

they  contemplate,  the  bitterness  of  the  misfortune, 
the  cruelty  of  the  deprivation,  of  the  great  mass  of 
children,  who  must  be  born  and  bred  in  the  midst  of 
such  depressing,  unhealthy  surroundings.  They 
know  intuitively,  that  only  a  puny,  sickly,  half- 
developed  race  of  people,  can  come  from  such  a  sad 
birth.  Under  such  circumstances,  they  do  not  won 
der,  that  fully  one-third  of  the  human  family,  die  in 
infancy. 

"Indoors,  the  handsomely  furnished,  beautifully 
decorated  club  rooms,  which  are  located  in  the  kin 
dergarten  building,  offer  the  maximum  of  elegance 
and  comfort  to  club  members.  There,  in  harmonious 
groups,  they  may  engage  in  conversation,  study,  writ 
ing,  musical  exercises,  and  other  varieties  of  club 
work.  The  esthetic  tastes  of  the  members  are 
quickened,  and  their  pleasures  much  enhanced,  by 
the  fine  display  of  oil  paintings,  water  colors,  pencil 
sketches,  etchings,  and  photographs,  which  have 
been  hung  on  the  walls,  by  admiring  friends  from 
the  art  and  photography  clubs.  It  has  been  the 
chosen  work  of  the  last  named  club,  to  supply  the 
center  tables  in  the  reading  rooms,  with  a  series  of 
large  portfolios,  containing  a  choice  collection  of 
finely  finished,  beautifully  mounted  photographs. 
This  collection  is  varied,  unique  and  valuable ;  and 
withal,  exceedingly  interesting.  It  embraces  artis 
tic  copies  of  the  world's  finest  statuary,  pictures  of 
eminent  men,  noted,  historic  buildings,  rare  land 
scapes  and  most  picturesque  scenery.  These,  sup 
plemented  by  an  abundant  supply  of  choice  books, 
furnish  excellent  conditions,  and  a  most  fascinating 
incentive,  for  a  harmonious,  satisfying,  self -culture, 
of  the  highest  type.  Under  the  able  leadership  of 
Gertrude  Gerrish,  the  interest  shown,  the  enthusi- 


292  SOLARIS   FARM. 

asm  awakened,  and  the  progress  achieved,  is  some 
thing  remarkable. 

"Thus  prepared,  the  members  find  themselves  on 
a  higher  mental  and  spiritual  plane  of  existence, 
where  they  can  appreciate  the  possibilities,  of  what 
may  be  accomplished  by  true  motherhood,  as  a  re 
generator  of  society.  They  can  understand  the  sig 
nificance  of  the  great  lesson  taught  by  history,  which 
is,  that  all  progress  for  the  race,  depends  upon  the 
elevation,  education  and  refinement,  achieved  by 
woman.  With  quickened  vision,  they  can  perceive, 
that  with  the  dawn  of  the  twentieth  century,  comes 
the  beginning  of  a  new  cycle  in  the  life  of  the  planet ; 
the  commencement  of  woman's  golden  era  !  In  the 
higher  light  of  such  a  vision,  they  become  aware, 
that  they  must  strive  continually,  for  more  wisdom, 
that  they  may  reach  a  higher  consciousness  of  indi 
vidual  responsibility,  as  keepers  and  guardians  of 
the  sacred  temple  of  human  life. 

"In  the  preparatory  work  for  a  progressive  pa 
rentage,  club  members  are  taught,  that  prospective 
fathers  and  mothers,  must  become  familiar  with  the 
sciences,  the  industrial,  and  the  higher  arts,  if  they 
wish  their  children  to  inherit,  whatever  intellectual 
progress,  they  as  parents,  may  achieve.  The  new 
psychology,  with  a  better  knowledge  of  nature's 
evolutionary  methods,  declares,  that  these  trained 
intellectual  attributes,  may  be  transmitted  to  off 
spring,  if  the  parents  are  willing  to  prepare  them 
selves,  to  respond  to  the  demands  of  natural  law. 

"In  the  domain  of  more  practical  club  work,  the 
members  are  taught  how  to  prepare  the  diet  and 
clothing,  which  may  be  necessary  for  the  proper 
care  of  healthy  nursing  mothers  and  infants.  They 
are  also  taught  the  hygiene  and  physiology  of  mother- 


SOLARIS  FARM. 

hood  ;  in  addition,  as  much  as  possible,  about  the 
laws  that  govern  the  procreative  body  of  woman, 
when  it  becomes  the  temple  of  evolving  life.  In 
connection  therewith,  they  are  instructed  to  observe 
closely,  the  initial  and  pre-natal  conditions,  which 
dominate  this  primal  stage  of  embryo  life. 

"As  a  result  of  this  comprehensive  course  of  train 
ing,  our  young  mothers  soon  find  themselves,  in 
spired  by  a  hypnotic  wave  of  enthusiasm,  wh'ch  is 
sure  to  follow  many  days  of  pleasant  association, 
discussion,  and  systematic  study.  Stimulated  by 
this  enthusiasm,  and  aided  by  the  potency  of  co 
operative  thinking,  they  endeavor  to  discover  new 
avenues,  through  which  they  may  reach  and  main 
tain,  better  physical,  mental  and  spiritual  conditions, 
which  shall  bring  them  into  a  more  perfect  harmony, 
with  the  laws  of  unf oldment  which  govern  planetary 
evolution.  The  success,  which  has  rewarded  their 
efforts  in  this  direction,  has  far  exceeded,  even  the 
ambitious  hopes  of  Gertrude  Gerrish. 

"For  the  purpose  of  preserving  a  series  of  valu 
able  records,  for  the  benefit  of  this  and  coming  gen 
erations  ;  club  members  are  urged  to  put  in  writing, 
such  ideas  as  may  come  to  them,  as  the  result  of  in 
dividual  thought,  or  from  co-operative  study,  dis 
cussion  and  observation.  These  papers  are  care 
fully  condensed,  sifted,  classified,  and  placed  in 
proper  record  form,  by  the  editing  committee  of  the 
club.  This  committee,  is  also  instructed  to  prepare 
short  extracts,  essays  and  descriptive  articles  relat 
ing  to  club  work,  for  publication  in  the  mothers' 
column  of  the  Solaris  Sentinel. 

"This  outline  sketch,  my  dear  Fern,  will  give  you 
some  idea  of  the  scope  of  the  work,  in  which,  I  know 
you  are  greatly  interested.  In  brief,  it  means  -a 


294  SOLARIS  FARM. 

practical  illustration,  of  the  use  of  scientific  methods, 
for  improving  the  race.  The  club  hopes  to  give  a 
satisfactory  answer  to  the  great  question,  of  how  to 
be  well  born.  It  will  strive  to  convince  the  world, 
that  the  time  has  arrived,  in  which  the  twentieth 
century  demands  the  immediate  introducton  of  a 
scientific  system,  for  the  thorough  breeding  of  child 
ren  as  a  fine  art.  The  art  of  all  arts  !  The  highest 
of  all  possible  achievements  ! 

"Hitherto,  the  world's  people,  in  trying  to  accum 
ulate  riches,  or  to  escape  the  poorhouse,  have  had 
neither  time  nor  inclination^  to  consider  this  most 
important  of  all  questions.  As  a  matter  of  fact, 
greed  for  gold  has  become  so  dominant,  human  life, 
so  cheap,  and  its  progress  through  culture,  held  in 
such  low  estimation  ;  that  it  is  not  unusual,  not  even 
a  matter  of  comment,  to  hear  of  a  wealthy  stock 
breeder,  who  willingly  pays  from  ten  to  twenty 
thousand  dollars  a  year  to  the  trainer  of  his  horses ; 
while  he  grudgingly  pays  five  hundred  dollars  a  year 
to  the  teacher  of  his  children.  This  would  indicate, 
that  the  demand  for  a  change  is  imperative.  The 
great  wave  of  evolutionary  progress,  is  fast  rising 
to  a  flood  tide  !  The  selfish,  commercial  spirit,  born 
of  the  competitive  system,  must  soon  give  way  for 
something  better !  The  advent  of  a  system  of  un 
selfish,  co-operative  farming,  which  proposes  to  unite 
a  rational  agriculture,  with  a  scientific  stirpiculture, 
offers  opportunities  for  substantial  progress,  and  a 
new  hope  for  the  coming  race." 

' '  This  is  exceedingly  interesting,  Fillmore  !  What 
additional  work,  has  Gertrude  Gerrish  planned  for 
the  club  members  ?  " 

'  'A  great  deal  more  than  I  have  time  to  enumerate, 
just  now  !  However,  by  the  way  of  an  illustration 


SOLARIS  FARM.  295 

of  her  ingenius  methods,  and  also,  of  the  great 
variety  of  the  topics  introduced,  all  of  which  really 
belong  to  the  work,  as  an  integral  part  of  the  move 
ment.  I  may  mention  the  latest  scheme  introduced 
by  Gertrude  Gerrish,  which  proposes  to  increase  the 
average  length  of  human  life,  by  giving  to  children 
as  a  birthright,  well  developed  vital,  physical,  and 
mental  organizations.  This,  she  claims,  is  the  only 
true  ground  work,  for  real  progress  in  the  right 
direction.  The  scheme  has  proved  a  popular  one. 
It  has  so  aroused  the  zeal  and  enthusiasm  of  the  club 
members,  that  they  write,  think  and  talk  on  the  sub 
ject,  with  an  inspiration  and  eloquence  quite  sur 
prising.  As  a  result  of  the  remarkable  interest 
awakened,  they  have  diligently  read  books  on  evolu 
tion,  physiology,  psychology,  vital  statistics,  physi 
cal  culture,  and  a  great  number,  on  the  general  sub 
ject  of  health.  In  this  respect,  the  work  of  the  club 
as  a  promoter  of  longevity,  may  well  serve  as  an  ob 
ject  lesson,  for  the  hundred-year  clubs,  that  have 
been  organized  during  the  past  ten  years,  for  the 
purpose  of  checking  the  alarming  increase  of  suicide 
clubs. 

"Touching  the  question  of  suicide,  as  an  enemy  to 
longevity:  In  discussing  the  subject,  many  members 
of  the  club  maintain,  that  it  is  an  imperative  duty  for 
them  to  give  the  world  a  new  cure  for  suicide.  They 
would  offer  its  would-be  victims,  such  a  tempting 
array  of  the  meanings,  purposes  and  opportunities, 
for  gaining  wisdom,  which  may  crown  every  rightly 
conducted,  harmoniously  environed  life ;  making  it 
so  busy,  so  absorbing,  and  so  happy ;  that  there 
would  be  no  room,  for  the  morbid  hallucination  of  a 
suicidal  desire.  This  proposition  is  based  on  the 
presumption,  that  all  suicides  are  possessed  with  an 


296  SOLARIS  FARM. 

insanely  erroneous  idea,  regarding  the  true  object 
and  purpose  of  human  life.  After  the  passing  of  a 
few  generations,  under  the  wide- spread  reign  of  co 
operative  stirpiculture,  with  its  hosts  of  mothers' 
clubs,  suicide  will  soon  become  an  utter  impossibility. 

"In  the  ever  broadening  scope, of  progressive  kind 
ergarten  training,  our  young  mothers  have  wrought 
their  most  important  work.  A  work,  which  reflects 
on  the  club,  a  great  deal  of  well-earned  credit.  As 
centers  of  the  first  and  second-year  nursery  groups, 
in  their  cargosita  excursions  around  the  great  hall, 
for  the  purpose  of  sight,  color  and  image  training  ; 
the  service  rendered  by  these  mothers,  has  proved 
invaluable.  As  teachers,  assistants,  directors  and 
leaders,  in  the  third  and  fourth-year  groups,  while 
engaged  in  exercises  and  games,  which  have  been 
devised  and  instituted,  for  the  purpose  of  sense 
training,  science  training,  and  science  recreation  ;  in 
addition  to  the  ordinary  kindergarten  course ;  their 
excellent  work,  has  justly  excited  the  pride  of  the 
colony. 

"In  conclusion,  my  dear  Fern  !  I  must  tell  you 
something  about  'The  club  babies, '  as  they  are  proud 
ly  designated  by  the  members.  They  are  very 
bright  and  beautiful !  In  fact,  they  seem  born  with 
a  consciousness,  that  it  is  their  peculiar  privilege, 
to  commence  the  study  of  life  as  a  fine  art,  at  its 
very  threshold.  They  are  the  zealously  guarded 
treasures  of  the  club,  and  the  pride  of  the  farm  ! 
They  give  a  glorious  promise,  that  they  will  prove 
worthy  leaders,  of  a  coming  host  of  dominant  think 
ers,  which  are  to  be  given  to  the  world,  by  the 
mothers'  clubs  of  the  next  quarter  of  a  century. 

"As  champions  and  exponents  of  the  true  object 
and  purpose  of  human  life,  these  thinkers  will  be 


SOLARIS  FARM.  297 

armed  with  a  wonderful  potency,  with  which  to 
overcome  and  conquer,  the  selfish  reign  of  the  com 
petitive  system.  A  cruel  system,  which  has  proved 
the  very  incarnation,  of  'Man's  inhumanity  to  man,' 
causing  countless  millions  to  mourn  !  In  this  great 
work,  they  will  be  inspired,  by  the  high  purpose  of 
replacing  its  evi],  poverty-breeding  dominancy,  by 
an  unselfish,  co-operative  system,  a  union  of  spirit 
ualizing,  educative,  stirpiculture  and  agriculture, 
which  shall  insure  a  higher  civilization,  and  the  per 
petual  reign  of  peace  and  plenty  for  all  mankind." 

"What  you  have  told  to  me  so  charmingly,  Fill- 
more,  is  almost  too  good  to  be  true  !  How  eloquent 
ly,  and  how  interestingly,  you  have  described,  the 
scope  and  work  of  this  wonderful  club,  with  its 
gifted  leader  !  I  hail  the  advent  of  this  club,  as  one 
of  the  most  important  results,  achieved  by  the  Sol 
aris  Farm  Company  !  I  am  delighted,  with  its  thor 
ough  organization,  broad  plans,  high  aims,  earnest 
work,  and  the  remarkable  enthusiasm,  of  its  mem 
bers  !  They  represent  a  cause,  which  is  dear  to  my 
heart ! 

"The  question,  of  how  to  be  well  born,  is  to  my 
mind,  the  foremost  question  of  the  day  !  A  ques 
tion,  which  demands  universal  consideration  !  This 
twentieth  century  union,  of  agriculture  and  stirpi 
culture,  this  scientific,  systematic,  generation  of  the 
race  as  a  fine  art ;  which  has  been  so  well  demon 
strated,  by  the  surprising  work  of  these  enthusiastic 
young  mothers,  is  something  to  be  proud  of  !  The 
good,  which  must  follow  the  work  of  this  club,  can 
not  now  be  estimated.  The  one  hope,  -for  the  re 
generation  and  final  salvation  of  society,  is  cen 
tered  in  the  mothers  of  the  Republic  !  Nothing,  is 
so  well  calculated  to  impress  the  importance  of  this 


298  SOLARIS  FARM. 

grand  truth,  on  the  minds  of  the  people,  as  the 
practical  work  of  an  ever  increasing  host  of  mothers' 
clubs. 

1 1  In  their  devotion  to  the  Republic,  these  mothers 
are  patriots  of  the  purest  type  !  They  have  arisen 
to  such  spiritual  heights,  that  they  may  fearlessly 
proclaim  the  law  of  motherhood,  for  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  the  new  Republic  !  They  have  demon 
strated  that  this  law  declares,  that  a  worthy  mother 
of  the  new  Republic,  must  be  absolutely  free  !  She 
must  be  free,  religiously,  mentally,  socially,  physic 
ally,  and  financially  !  Thus  unshackeled,  she  may 
be  properly  prepared,  to  bear  a  race  of  children  who 
are  endowed  by  birth,  with  the  incarnate  spirit  and 
genius  of  true  liberty.  Such  liberty,  as  shall  be 
come  the  talisman  and  watchword,  of  the  model  Re 
public  of  the  twentieth  century.  A  Republic  of  peers, 
of  intellectual  giants  !  The  very  flower  of  spiritual 
unf oldment !  The  highest  order  of  civilization  !  Un 
der  the  starry  flag  of  such  a  government,  neither 
slave,  nor  pauper,  nor  criminal,  shall  be  found  to 
cloud  with  shame,  the  fair  escutcheon  of  true  liberty ! 

"I  shall  endeavor,  before  leaving  Solaris,  to  meet 
with  the  members,  by  attending  some  session  of  the 
club.  I  shall  then  take  pleasure  in  restating  these 
ideas,  as  an  expression  of  my  appreciation  of  the 
great  work  for  humanity,  which  they  have  so  suc 
cessfully  inaugurated.  ' 

"To  Gertrude  Gerrish,  that  noble  woman,  with 
such  a  magnificent  talent,  and  so  loyal  a  heart ;  who 
has  won  my  deepest  gratitude,  my  undying  respect ; 
I  must  pay  the  tribute  of  my  admiration,  by  taking 
her  lovingly  to  my  heart,  as  a  sister  woman,  whose 
wonderful  ability,  as  a  thinker,  organizer,  and  leader, 
has  made  me  proud  of  my  sex." 


SOLARIS  FARM.  299 


CHAPTER   XXXVI. 

THE  CO-OPERATIVE  FARM  AS  A  FACTOR  IN  THE 
CAPITAL  AND  LABOR  PROBLEM. 

' '  I  AM  curious  to  know,  to  what  extent  co-operative 
farming  will  effect  the  capital  and  labor  problem. 
What  think  you,  Fillmore  ?  " 

"No  doubt  the  effect  will  be  very  marked.  Many 
of  the  solutions  arrived  at  in  experimenting  with  the 
insurance  question,  will  apply  with  equal  force  to 
wards  a  final  solution  of  the  capital  and  labor  prob 
lem.  The  toiler  once  having  been  taught  the  art  of 
self-employment,  that  will  furnish  him  superior  con 
ditions  for  a  perfected  healthful  enjoyment  of  life, 
with  all  of  the  advantages  for  himself  and  his  child 
ren  that  money  can  buy  for  the  wealthy;  can  never 
again  become  the  working  slave  of  capital.  He  has 
learned,  by  a  practical  lesson,  very  similar  to  the 
famous  'Gurnsey  Market  House'  exploit,  that  labor 
unaided  by  capital,  can  produce  an  abundance  of 
things  which  go  to  make  up  the  wealth  of  the 
nation,  the  community  or  the  individual ;  while  capi 
tal  unaided  by  labor  can  produce  nothing. 

"In  searching  for  a  remote  cause  for  this  ever 
growing  warfare  between  capital  and  labor,  which 
has  so  long  vexed  our  Republic ;  and  which,  even 
now,  threatens  its  final  disintegration ;  we  soon  dis 
cover  our  arch  enemy,  the  competitive  system,  as 
the  party  responsible  for  the  mischief.  This  fact 
becomes  more  apparent,  as  we  consider,  that  from 
the  beginning  of  the  historical  period,  people  in  a 
fierce  struggle  for  existence,  have  been  compelled  by 
the  competitive  system,  to  wage  a  brutal,  relentless 


300  SOLARIS  FARM. 

warfare  with  each  other.  Always  the  stronger, 
against  the  weaker.  In  this  wicked  war,  millions  of 
human  lives  have  been  sacrificed  to  the  fiery  moloch 
of  selfish  greed. 

"The  older  the  civilization  the  more  fiercely  has 
the  war  been  waged ;  until  to-day,  thousands  among 
the  lower  classes  everywhere,  dwarfed  and  em 
bittered  by  a  hopeless  struggle  to  sustain  life,  in  a 
ceaseless  combat  with  competing  foes  on  every  hand  ; 
spurred  to  a  frenzy  of  fury,  curse  the  day  which 
gave  them  birth.  Why  should  they  live  only  to 
suffer  ?  With  moral  natures  starved  and  withered, 
they  declare  that  all  justice  is  a  mockery,  all  honesty, 
a  myth  !  They  have  lost  faith  in  God,  and  confidence 
in  man !  They  care  not  for  the  needs  of  posterity, 
or  for  the  nemesis  01  a  future  existence !  In  this 
desperate  condition,  they  either  commit  suicide,  or 
become  an  easy  prey  to  the  temptation,  to  join  the 
outlaws  in  taking  the  world  by  the  throat.  From 
such  material  is  formed  the  dregs  of  society,  that 
lower  social  strata  of  living  dynamite,  that  constant 
menace,  which  threatens  in  the  near  future,  to  de 
stroy  all  civilization  which  rests  upon  it.  This  is  a 
typical  piece  of  the  handiwork  of  the  competitive 
system,  a  system  in  which  the  roots  of  society  to 
day  are  grounded. 

"Once  seriously  considered  in  this  light,  how  can 
any  sane  person,  who  believes  in  an  All-Wise  Creator, 
in  justice  and  mercy,  in  a  common  brotherhood  for 
humanity,  ever  again  defend  the  wickedness,  of  a 
society  based  on  the  selfish  cruelty  of  such  a  system? 
What  treatment  may  unorganized,  unprotected  labor, 
expect  from  this  system? 

"Hitherto,  fortunately  for  the  progress  of  the 
world,  the  laborers  of  this  Republic,  have  enjoyed 


SOLARIS  FARM.  301 

more, of  the  advantages  of  life,  than  those  of  any 
other  country.  With  better  wages  and  shorter  hours 
for  work,  they  have  been  able  to  educate  themselves 
and  their  children,  to  a  degree  that  would  fit  them 
to  become  good  citizens  of  the  Republic.  A  republic 
which  for  its  continued  existence,  depends  on  the 
integrity,  ability  and  intelligence  of  its  working 
units.  As  such,  our  laborers  have  proved  themselves 
the  best  in  the  world.  Now,  alas !  The  whole  in 
dustrial  situation  is  changed  by  the  swift  dominancy 
of  the  competitive  system,  with  its  ever  increasing 
brood  of  trusts,  which  have  swallowed  up  all  natural 
opportunities,  and  monopolized  all  the  leading  busi 
ness  enterprises,  of  this  hitherto  progressive  nation. 

"The  people  of  the  Republic  are  divided  into  two 
classes  ;  the  employers,  and  the  employed.  The  in 
vention  and  introduction  of  new  and  expensive  ma 
chinery  each  year,  augments  the  power  of  the  trusts, 
to  control  the  markets  and  the  industrial  situation. 
By  the  same  means  and  at  the  same  time,  they  are 
fast  reducing  the  number  of  employers,  and  increas 
ing  the  number  of  those  who  must  seek  employment. 
Under  such  circumstances,  each  year  the  fate  of  the 
worker  in  any  class,  either  skilled  or  unskilled, 
grows  more  desperate.  He  becomes  more  complete 
ly  the  slave  of  the  trusts  or  capitalists  who  own  the 
tools  and  who  monopolize  the  industries.  The  larger 
the  dependent  family  of  the  worker,  the  more  abject 
the  slavery,  and  the  less  his  power  to  resist  a  con 
stant  reduction  of  wages. 

' '  In  the  efforts  made  by  organized  labor  unions,  to 
resist  this  tendency  to  reduce  wages,  we  have  both 
the  cause  and  the  beginning  of  the  war  between 
capital  and  labor  With  a  courage  and  patriotism 
worthy  of  the  days  of  'Seventy -Six,'  this  war  has 


302  SOLARIS  FARM. 

been  waged  by  the  toilers,  with  a  determination  to 
maintain  rights  guaranteed  to  them  by  the  constitu 
tion  of  the  Republic.  A  right  to  life,  liberty,  and 
the  pursuit  of  happiness.  A  right  to  labor  and  to 
enjoy  the  fruits  of  their  labor,  by  having  free  access 
to  a  reasonable  share  of  the  natural  advantages  be 
longing  to  the  public  domain. 

"In  this  heroic  struggle,  so  sturdily  maintained 
during  the  past  twenty-five  years  against  the  com 
petitive  system  and  its  well  trained  hosts  ;  the  cam 
paign,  which  has  been  marked  by  many  mistakes, 
followed  by  frequent  defeat  and  disastrous  failure, 
has  always  proved  successful  as  an  educator,  both 
for  the  toilers  and  the  great  middle  classes,  who 
sympathized  with  them.  On  the  other  hand,  alarmed 
by  sudden  success,  achieved  by  the  disruption  of 
long-lived  business  methods,  and  the  loss  of  con 
fidence  in  exchange  values,  on  the  part  of  the  public 
in  consequence  of  this  disruption  ;  the  generals  of  the 
competitive  system,  aided  with  but  few  exceptions, 
by  the  press,  university  and  pulpit,  have  shrewdly 
endeavored  to  evade  responsibility,  for  the  disas 
trous  panics  which  have  followed  such  revolutionary 
methods.  These  panics  have  left  the  country  dis 
turbed  and  embarrassed,  by  armies  of  unemployed 
men. 

"In  the  same  line  of  tactics,  these  competitive 
leaders,  have  endeavored  to  confuse  the  question, 
and  to  mystify  the  people,  by  raising  the  cry  of  over 
production  !  The  inexorable  law  of  supply  and  de 
mand  !  The  impossibility  of  our  manufacturers 
longer  competing  in  the  markets  of  the  world,  against 
the  cheap  products  of  the  pauper  labor  of  Europe, 
while  they  are  obliged  by  the  unions,  to  pay  such 
exorbitant  wages  here.  This  cry  has  grown  more 


SOLARIS  FARM.  303 

insistent,  with  each  succeeding  year.  Nevertheless, 
the  fact  still  remains,  that  but  for  the  continuous 
1  opposition  of  the  united  labor  organizations,  long 
before  this  time,  the  wages  paid  in  Europe,  would 
govern  the  price  of  labor  in  this  Republic.  What 
then  would  have  happened  to  our  workers,  the  basic 
units  of  our  government  ?  Fortunately,  the  cam 
paign  of  education  still  continues  !  The  people  at 
large  are  just  beginning  to  wake  up  to  the  import 
ance  of  the  labor  question  !  They  have  studied  it 
carefully  and  earnestly.  They  have  learned  that  in 
productive  labor,  muscular  effort  is  a  mental  de 
monstration. 

t 'They  have  learned,  that  the  products  of  the 
skillfully  educated,  intelligent,  refined,  moral,  self- 
respecting  worker  of  this  Republic,  can  successfully, 
compete  with  the  inferior  products,  of  a  less  intelli 
gent  or  pauperized  labor  of  any  country,  in  any  of 
the  markets  of  the  world.  No  matter  how  high  the 
wages  of  the  former,  or  how  low  the  wages  of  the 
latter  may  be. 

"They  have  learned,  that  the  demand,  in  any 
market  for  a  superior  article,  will  always  drive  out 
the  inferior. 

"They  have  learned,  that  the  question  of  the  un 
employed,  is  a  question  of  the  utmost  importance, 
which  demands  the  immediate  attention  of  all  patri 
ots.  They  have  learned,  that  the  unemployed  we 
shall  have  with  us  in  ever  increasing  numbers,  so 
long  as  the  competitive  system  shall  last. 

"They  have  learned,  that  not  one  from  the  ranks 
of  the  unemployed,  can  again  become  a  worker, 
without  paying  a  handsome  bonus  for  the  privilege, 
by  allowing  some  one  to  pocket  the  lion's  share  of 
the  profits  he  may  be  able  to  earn. 


304  SOLARIS  FARM. 

"They  have  learned,  that  when  society  encourages 
conditions,  which  cause  the  laborer  to  look  upon  any 
calamity  as  a  blessing  in  disguise,  because  it  offers 
work  for  the  unemployed  ;  that  society,  must  be  re 
organized. 

' '  They  have  learned,  that  whenever  an  industrial 
system  produces  conditions,  which  make  the  laborer 
see  only  disaster  for  his  individual  interests,  in 
every  labor-saving  invention  which  may  be  intro 
duced  ;  such  a  system,  must  be  superseded  by  a 
better  one. 

' '  They  have  learned,  that  the  competitive  system, 
by  the  very  nature  and  terms  of  its  organization, 
obliges  its  followers  to  be  selfish,  cruel,  heartless, 
unmanly  and  unpatriotic.  They  have  learned,  that 
its  reign  has  become  so  dominant,  that  it  justifies  a 
recent  writer  of  most  excellent  wit,  who  declares 
that  '  Man  by  birth,  education  and  training,  has  be 
come  so  essentially  selfish,  that  no  preaching  has 
any  effect  upon  him,  if  it  does  not  advise  him  to  lay 
up  treasures  for  himself  somewhere. ' 

.  ' '  They  have  learned,  that  the  dangers  which  most 
seriously  threaten  the  perpetuity  of  our  Republic, 
do  not  come  from  the  clamor  of  dissatisfied  laborers, 
who  are  wrongfully  accused  of  law-breaking ;  but, 
that  these  dangers  do  come,  from  the  lawlessness  of 
capital,  and  the  anarchy  of  corporations. 

' '  They  have  learned  that  so  f  ar  as  the  interests  of 
the  working  units  of  the  Republic  are  concerned,  or 
care  for  its  continued  existence  as  a  representative 
government ;  the  press,  the  university,  and  the  pul 
pit,  have  all  been  syndicated  and  censored  by  the 
competitive  system  to  such  an  extent,  that  they  can 
no  longer  be  trusted  to  furnish  teachers,  leaders, 
and  guides. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  305 

"They  have  learned,  that  the  only  safe  course  is, 
for  the  people  to  depend  upon  themselves,  to  de 
velop  and  establish  a  new  social  and  industrial  order, 
from  which  shall  spring  a  class  of  incorruptible 
leaders  and  statesmen,  whose  pure,  unselfish  motives, 
dominant,  evenly  developed  minds,  and  superior  abil 
ity,  shall  mark  them  as  fitting  rulers  for  a  more  per 
fect  Republic.  Such  a  Republic  as  shall  meet  the 
demands  of  a  twentieth  century  progress. 

"They  have  learned,  that  the  remedy  indicated  is 
a  change  to  an  industrial  system,  that  will  secure  to 
the  laborer  an  equitable  share  of  the  benefits,  which 
follow  the  introduction  of  labor-saving  machinery. 
Under  such  conditions,  the  laborer  himself,  having 
more  leisure  and  unexpended  vitality,  will  be  stimu 
lated  to  increase  his  available  resources  by  cultivat 
ing  his  brain  capacity  for  invention,  thereby  largely 
increasing  his  power  to  produce. 

"After  many  years,  the  rank  and  file  of  the  work 
ers  in  the  labor  unions,  have  learned,  that  self-em 
ployment  is  the  key  to  the  situation.  Although 
late,  they  have  learned,  that  if  all  the  money  wasted 
in  unsuccessful  strikes,  had  been  invested  in  the 
purchase  of  choice  locations,  undeveloped  mines  and 
mineral  lands,  and  in  the  erection  of  manufacturing 
plants,  the  labor  question  would  now  be  a  thing  of 
the  past.  They  would  be  masters  of  the  situation, 
to  whom  the  capitalists  would  be  glad  to  offer  such 
a  liberal  system  of  profit-sharing,  as  would  practi 
cally  make  the  workmen  self-employed,  by  reason 
of  a  part  ownership  in  the  enterprise  they  labored 
to  exploit. 

"Finally,  and  most  important  of  all  ;  they  have 
learned  that  all  manufacturing  industries,  naturally 
grow  out  of  agriculture.  That  the  success  of  one,  is 


306  SOLARIS  FARM. 

the  measure,  for  the  success  of  the  other.  That 
they  must  co-operate  to  such  an  extent,  that  a  con 
stant,  healthy  growth  of  both,  may  be  maintained. 

"They  have  become  convinced  of  the  imperative 
necessity  for  this  equable,  co-operative,  progress, 
by  a  careful  study  of  the  threatening  conditions 
which  obtain,  in  countries  where  agriculture  has 
declined  ;  and  where  manufacturing  industries  have 
become  abnormally  predominant.  In  such  countries, 
the  food  supply  at  once  becomes  a  question  of  daily, 
nay  of  hourly  importance.  It  must  be  imported 
from  distant  lands,  subject  to  the  tax  of  insurance, 
import  and  export  duties,  freight  charges,  and  com 
missions.  Under  such  adverse  conditions,  available 
supplies  for  but  a  few  days  only,  stand  between  the 
toiler  and  gaunt  hunger.  Any  catastrophe  which 
may  happen  to  already  congested  lines  of  transpor 
tation,  will  percipitate  a  famine.  Then  prices  would 
go  up  with  a  bound.  The  constant  menace  of  such 
a  possibility,  always  serves  to  keep  food-prices  above 
the  natural  level  of  a  fair  profit.  On  the  other 
hand,  in  countries  where  progress  in  agriculture 
and  manufacture  goes  hand  in  hand ;  a  constantly 
increasing  home  market  for  manufactured  products 
is  steadily  maintained.  A  most  important  consider 
ation  !  At  the  same  time,  the  industrial  centers 
have  the  advantage  of  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
abundant  food  supplies,  which  are  not  subject  to  the 
vicissitudes  of  traffic  or  transportation,  or  to  the  tax 
of  much  handling. 

"In  considering  these  things,  the  minds  of  a  great 
majority  of  the  laboring  people,  have  been  prepared 
to  accept  tthe  conclusion,  that  the  great  question  of 
the  hour  is,  how  to  open  the  way  for  every  worthy 
worker  to  become  his  own  employer.  The  co-oper- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  307 

ative  farm  opens  the  way.  Therefore,  it  is  to  these 
self-educated  toilers  in  the  ranks  of  the  labor  organ 
izations,  that  the  manifest  advantages  of  co-oper 
ative  farming  will  appeal  most  successfully.  If 
properly  approached,  a  majority  of  them  would  be, 
not  only  willing  but  anxious  for  an  opportunity  to 
give  this  new  system  of  co-operative  agriculture  a 
thorough  trial. 

' '  Having  once  become  practically  interested,  these 
people  would  soon  learn  to  consider  the  object  and 
purpose  of  life  from  a  new  standpoint.  From  this 
new  concept  of  the  meaning  and  necessities  of  life, 
they  would  perceive  that  it  did  not  require  the 
hoarding  of  much  wealth,  in  order  to  satisfy  them. 
The  insurance  system  in  providing  for  the  wants  of 
old  age,  would  forever  banish  the  haunting  specter 
of  a  pauper's  death  in  the  poor-house.  They  would 
then  realize  that  money,  was  not  so  precious  as  a 
human  life  !  They  would  clearly  understand  that 
money  was  an  absolute  necessity,  only  to  those 
under  the  competitive  system  who  had  lost  confi 
dence  in  each  other,  and  faith  in  the  fact  of  a  com 
mon  brotherhood  for  humanity  ! 

"They  would  soon  respond  to  happier  surround 
ings,  in  every  way  so  conducive  to  a  natural,  soul 
growth,  and  to  the  harmonious  unfoldment  of  the  in 
dividual  from  within.  In  this  unfoldment,  a  new 
meaning  for  immortality  would  come  to  them.  Spir 
itual  law  would  become  operative.  It  would  teach 
them  that,  as  immortal  beings,  as  cosmic  units  of 
the  larger  cosmos — The  Great  Over  Soul — they  could 
not  become  totally  depraved,  even  under  pressure  of 
evil  conditions  of  the  most  degrading  character  ;  no 
matter  how  much  their  spiritual  natures  had  been 
stained  or  starved. 


308  SOLARIS  FARM. 

"With  this  new  standard  as  a  guide,  there  would 
come  an  inspiration  to  strive  for  the  attainment  of  a 
higher,  purer,  better  life.  A  life  more  in  harmony 
with  the  design  of  an  All-Wise  Creator  !  Angry, 
antagonistic  feelings,  against  hitherto  competitors, 
would  disappear.  The  world  would  wear  a  smile  in 
stead  of  a  frown  !  Brotherly  love  between  man  and 
man,  would  become  the  rule  in  place  of  the  excep 
tion  !  Gold  would  lose  its  charm  !  Avarice  would 
pass  away  !  Selfish  instincts,  born  of  bitter  years 
under  a  cruel  system  would  soon  follow !  Long  dor 
mant,  spiritual  natures  would  be  awakened  !  A  new 
spiritual  growth  would  take  place  !  A  vastly  wider, 
mental,  and  spiritual  horizon,  would  be  added  to  the 
wisdom  of  the  individual  !  In  the  light  of  this  wis 
dom  would  come  the  discovery,  that  the  virtue  of 
right  living,  bears  the  seeds  of  a  perpetuity,  which 
begets  true  and  lasting  happiness  !  An  overwhel 
ming  answer  in  the  affirmative,  from  every  point  of 
view,  to  the  question,  does  it  pay  to  be  unselfish  ? 

"With  higher  ideals  of  life  and  its  duties,  these 
physically,  mentally,  and  spiritually  emancipated 
toilers,  would  find  themselves  prepared  to  co-operate 
most  effectually,  in  establishing  and  maintaining  any 
social  and  industrial  evolution,  which  the  best  inter 
ests  of  the  people  and  the  Republic  might  demand. 

"From  this  presentation,  my  dear  Fern  !  you  may 
imagine  how  important  and  desirable  it  is,  that 
these  two  powerful  industrial  forces  should  become 
harmoniously  united  in  working  for  the  interests  of 
a  natural  progressive  evolution.  Against  such  an 
invincible  combination,  the  hosts  of  the  competitive 
system  might  not  hope  to  prevail  !  ,  Once  thus 
united,  each  co-operative  farm  would  then  become 
the  nucleus  of  a  new  industrial  organization,  capable 


SOLARIS  FARM.  309 

of  such  unlimited  expansion  and  perfection  as  the 
needs  of  surrounding  communities  might  be  able  to 
sustain. 

'  'As  this  twin  series  of  giant  industries  continued 
to  grow  and  expand,  the  ways  by  which  they  might 
co-operate  with  mutual  benefit,  would  continue  to 
multiply.  In  political  matters  such  a  combination 
would  prove  remarkably  strong  ;  first  in  the  town 
ship  and  county  ;  later,  in  state  and  national  legis 
latures,  where  it  would  soon  be  able  to  demand  and 
push  forward  favorable  legislation,  and  also  to 
strangle  much  that  might  threaten  to  prove  adverse. 
In  such  efforts,  would  come  opportunities  for  intro 
ducing  to  the  arena  of  public  life,  an  abler,  nobler, 
purer  class  of  young  men ;  who,  born  of  a  better 
social,  industrial  system,  by  reason  of  superior  con 
ditions  for  birth  and  training,  would  be  properly  en 
dowed  with  that  inspiring  patriotism,  sterling  in 
tegrity,  and  commanding  ability,  so  necessary  to 
maintain  the  dominancy  and  perpetuity  of  the  Re 
public,  as  a  government  of  the  people,  for  the  peo 
ple  and  by  the  people." 

"Bravo  !  Well  done  Fillmore  !  Your  statement 
of  the  subject  is  grand,  indeed  !  The  eloquent  sum 
ming  up,  forms  a  fitting  climax  in  answer  to  my  last 
question,  the  closing  one  of  the  series.  But,  as 
much  as  I  admire  and  appreciate  its  general  excel 
lence,  you  must  allow  me  to  suggest  one  criticism. 
Do  you  not  think  Fillmore,  that  you  put  the  case 
rather  too  strongly,  when  you  place  the  press,  the 
university  and  the  pulpit,  so  completely  under  the 
control  of  trusts,  or  the  leaders  of  the  competitive 
system  ?  Would  they  dare  to  do  such  a  thing  ?  " 

"  Bless  you  my  dear  girl !  They  are  capable  of 
doing  anything  !  So  far  as  the  trusts  and  the  corn- 


310  SOLARIS  FARM. 

petitive  system  are  concerned,  I  have  stated  the 
case  very  mildly.  Not  one-half  of  the  story  has 
been  told.  Let  us  probe  this  question  a  little  deeper. 

"What  is  a  trust  ?  It  is  the  highest  form  of  mon- 
oply.  It  is  a  nest  of  corporations,  laid  and  hatched 
by  the  competitive  system  !  It  has  neither  consci 
ence  to  hold  it  in  check,  nor  soul  to  be  damned  !  It 
dares  to  do  anything  !  Indeed  !  It  is  formed  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  making  money.  Nothing  is  allowed 
to  stand  in  the  way.  Born  of  the  consolidating 
pressure,  which  marks  the  competitive  system,  it 
seeks  to  monopolize  all  of  the  advantages  of  that 
cruel  system,  without  incurring  its  penalties.  Once 
thoroughly  organized,  and  armed  with  the  almost 
unlimited  power  of  its  enormous  capital ;  the  trust 
immediately  commences  the  wholesale  destruction 
of  all  opposing  industries  or  interests.  In  pushing 
this  work,  it  regards  neither  the  equities  of  com 
mercial  law,  nor  the  vested  rights  of  others.  Se 
curely  protected  by  its  monopoly,  this  modern  jug 
gernaut  in  the  commercial  world,  rolls  remorsely 
onward  toward  its  goal  of  wealth.  It  cares  not  for 
the  safety  of  worshippers,  friends  or  foes.  If  by 
chance  they  represent  competing  interests,  they 
must  either  leave  the  field  or  be  crushed.  There  is 
no  alternative  !  There  is  no  escape  ! 

"A  few  of  the  leading  trusts,  those  most  com 
pletely  representing  the  competitive  system,  have 
recently  become  so  defiant,  so  audaciously  bold,  that 
they  are  prepared  to  undertake,  to  consolidate  the 
business  of  the  whole  earth.  They  will  stick  at 
nothing !  They  have  the  gorge  to  swallow  one 
government  or  ten  !  It  matters  little  to  them  !  Like 
the  ring  of  conspirators,  in  Donnelley's  'Ceaser's 
Column, '  a  few  of  the  leading  spirits,  of  these  dar- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  311 

ing  trusts,  are  secretly  plotting  in  Gotham  !  Just 
at  present,  they  have  their  eyes  fixed  on  the  all- 
powerful  money  question.  The  vision  seems  a  pleas 
ing  one  ! 

"What  is  that  question,  which  so  completely  ab 
sorbs  the  attention  of  these  people  ?  Can  it  be  pos 
sible,  that  the  mills  of  the  competitive  system  will 
grind  up  rich  bankers,  as  unconcernedly  as  they  do 
the  helpless  poor  !  They  surely  will !  The  plot 
grows  and  thickens  !  Let  us  give  it  close  attention. 
Let  us  watch  these  people.  Keeping  in  mind  mean 
while,  that  hitherto,  the  bankers  of  the  country,  have 
complacently  considered  themselves  masters  and 
kings  of  the  financial  situation,  whose  thrones  were 
secure  for  al]  time.  Strongly  intrenched  behind 
well-filled  money  bags,  they  have  felt  themselves 
safe  in  helping  the  trusts  to  fleece  the  public.  Now 
they  are  becoming  alarmed.  They  are  shaking  an 
their  fifteen-dollar  boots  !  They  behold  that  dread 
ful  handwriting  on  the  wall !  In  giant  letters,  seem 
ingly  towering  forty  feet  tall,  these  bankers  read 
the  doom,  which  the  trust  conspirators  are  now  pre 
paring  for  them.  They  catch  the  frightful  signifi 
cance  of  the  question,  which  the  trust  leaders  are 
discussing.  It  is  this.  Why  should  the  business  of 
the  United  States,  support  such  an  army  of  banks  ? 
More  than  ten  thousand.  We  know  very  well,  that 
the  entire  money  transactions  of  this  country,  could 
be  handled  more  safely,  more  swiftly,  and  more 
cheaply,  by  one  grand  central  institution.  With  one 
voice  the  conspirators  exclaim  !  Let  us  form  a  pool ! 
Let  us  consolidate  the  whole  business,  into  one  mag 
nificent  money  trust !  Let  us  select,  say  twenty-five, 
of  the  brainiest  bankers  in  the  business .' ,  Let  us 
give  them  fat  salaries,  and  make  them  superintend- 


312  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ents  of  the  financial  agencies,  now  called  banks. 
Counting  the  whole  number  of  banks,  both  public 
and  private,  as  ten  thousand,  with  three  professional 
bankers  to  each  one,  the  result  would  be  a  total  of 
thirty  thousand  bankers.  Of  this  number,  we  could 
reduce  twenty-nine  thousand,  nine  hundred  and  sev 
enty-five,  to  the  station  of  bank  clerks.  Let  us 
pause  for  a  moment  to  contemplate  the  result !  What 
enormous  savings  would  accrue,  by  the  introduction 
of  such  a  wholesale  scheme  of  consolidation  !  These 
savings  would  be  ours  !  Intoxicated  with  the  bril 
liancy  and  the  hugeness  of  the  idea  ;  the  conspira 
tors  with  one  impulse,  spring  to  their  feet,  with  out 
stretched  hands  they  form  a  ring,  they  execute  a 
round  dance  extraordinary.  While  thus  engaged, 
they  gaily  shout,  'There  is  millions  in  it  for  us  ! ' 

' '  No  wonder  the  bankers  are  alarmed  !  With  the 
exercise  of  one-half  of  their  usual  cunning  and  fore 
sight,  they  should  have  scented  the  danger  sooner. 
No  doubt,  they  were  so  engrossed  by  the  fascinating 
game  of  money  grabbing,  that  they  were  wholly 
blind  to  danger,  as  the  result  of  the  combined  audac 
ity  and  perfidy  of  their  former  partners.  They 
have  evidently  failed  to  learn  one  plain  lesson, 
which  is  taught  by  the  logic  of  events.  It  is  this. 
When  once  fairly  started,  the  process  of  the  larger 
corporation,  swallowing  the  lesser,  goes  forward 
with  such  an  ever- increasing  rate  of  speed,  that  it 
soon  overtakes  and  gobbles  up  banks  and  bankers. 

'•At  this  point,  it  is  pertinent  to  propound  the  fol 
lowing  questions  :  If  this  is  a  Republic  ?  If  the 
people  are  the  government,  and  the  government  is 
the  people  ?  And  if  the  consolidating  business,  is 
so  good  and  so  profitable  for  the  trusts  ?  Why, 
should  not  the  government,  own  and  run  this  giant 


SOLARIS  FARM.  313 

central  bank  ?  Why,  should  it  not  own  and  operate 
the  railroads,  the  canals,  the  shipping,  the  mines, 
the  forests,  and  all  other  industries  ?  This  would 
give  the  people  a  chance  to  share  equally,  in  the  en 
joyment  of  these  enormous  profits.  Why  not  ? 

"What  say  you  my  dear  Pern  !  Would  it  not  be 
infinitely  better,  than  to  allow  the  government  to  be 
swallowed  by  one  monster  trust  ?  " 

"Better  Fillmore  !  Far  better  !  I  am  convinced  ! 
I  withdraw  my  criticism.  You  have  maintained  your 
point  so  vigorously,  that  I  have  not  the  courage,  to 
offer  one  single  word  in  reply.  I  am  ready  and  will 
ing,  to  consider  the  discussion  as  finally  closed." 


CHAPTER   XXXVII. 

THE    CO-OPERATIVE    FARM   TRIUMPHANT. 

THE  BEGINNING  of  the  second  decaae  of  the  twenti 
eth  century,  saw  the  final  triumph  of  the  co-oper 
ative  farm  at  Solaris.  The  five  years  of  trial  and 
probation,  have  swiftly  passed  into  history.  The 
labors  of  the  colony,  have  been  crowned  with  a  rich 
harvest  of  success.  A  great  work  for  humanity,  has 
been  accomplished.  A  grand  lesson  in  the  economics 
of  unselfish  co-operation,  has  been  demonstrated. 
A  kaleidoscope  of  new  charms,  of  fresh  beauty,  of 
an  infinite  variety  of  change,  of  unexpected  oppor 
tunities,  of  a  host  of  new  expressions,  in  the  possi 
bilities  of  social  and  industrial  life  ;  the  culmination 
of  untried  methods,  new  hopes  and  new  aspirations ; 
have  marked  this  victorious  climax.  All  have  con 
tributed,  to  the  happiness  of  the  contented  villagers 


314  SOLARIS  FARM. 

at  Solaris  ;  filling  their  hearts  with  brighter  hopes 
for  the  future. 

A  new  era  in  agriculture  has  dawned.  With  it  has 
come,  a  new  order  of  life  for  farm  people.  The 
links  of  social  life,  have  become  more  firmly  knit. 
New  chains  of  enthusiastic  interest,  in  the  humani 
tarian  work  represented  by  the  farm,  have  been 
forged  by  the  binding  associations  of  passing  years. 
Ethical,  industrial  and  spiritual  life,  has  been  un 
folded,  in  harmony  with  the  law  of  progressive  plane 
tary  evolution. 

As  an  illustration  of  the  perfected  possibilities  of 
rural  life,  this  suggestive  and  pleasing  picture  is 
well  nigh  complete.  Verily  !  Virtue  has  been  richly 
rewarded,  by  the  pure  pleasure  of  right  living  !  To 
the  truths  of  these  things,  the  lives  of  the  unselfish 
co-operators  at  Solaris,  bear  most  abundant  and  con 
vincing  testimony.  Happiness  and  contentment, 
reign  supreme  !  Social  solutions,  offer  new  fields  of 
pleasure  to  a  generous,  progressive  people,  who  are 
daily  becoming  better  educated,  more  dominant  as 
thinkers,  more  unselfish  in  all  things,  therefore, 
more  virtuous. 

In  passing  from  the  experimental,  to  a  more  per 
fect  stage  of  co-operative  life,  a  marvelous  change 
for  the  better  is  noted.  New  factories  have  been 
built,  new  industries  instituted,  and  organized.  The 
busy  hum  of  industrial  prosperity,  everywhere  claims 
attention.  Meanwhile,  the  demands  for  a  better 
esthetic  culture,  have  not  been  neglected.  The  in 
teriors  of  both  factory  and  workshop,  have  been 
made  additionally  attractive,  by  a  more  artistic, 
educative  class  of  decorations.  All  industrial  build 
ings,  are  surrounded  by  well-kept  lawns. 
"  Many  handsome  cottages,  showing  a  great  variety 


SOLARIS  FARM.  315 

of  beautiful  designs,  cosey,  vine-clad  and  pictur 
esque,  environed  by  gardens  and  lawns,  have  been 
added  to  the  architectural  display  of  the  village. 
Order,  symmetry  and  cleanliness,  have  become  the 
established  law  of  the  farm. 

Barns,  stables,  stock  yards,  pig  pens  and  poultry 
yards,  have  been  placed  at  a  safe  distance  from  the 
village.  In  the  erection  of  these  necessary  build 
ings,  care  has  been  taken,  to  provide  for  the  re 
moval  and  sanitary  dry  storage,  of  the  daily  accum 
ulation  of  valuable  manures.  Especially  designed 
machinery,  accomplishes  this  otherwise  unpleasant 
task,  quickly  and  easily.  By  this  convenient  ar 
rangement,  with  a  very  little  labor,  these  buildings, 
and  the  stock  housed  in  them,  can  at  all  times,  be 
kept  healthy  and  clean.  A  most  important  consid 
eration  ! 

Everywhere,  appear  evidences,  of  the  farms  in 
creasing  wealth  in  live  stock.  Great  herds  of  fine 
cattle,  are  fattening  in  the  fields,  pastures  and  barns. 
Prize  collections  of  choice  sheep,  are  roaming  over 
grassy  slopes.  Fine  droves  of  well  grown,  healthy 
swine,  in  assorted  lots,  are  contentedly  feeding  in 
small  fields  of  fresh  clover.  The  large  drove  of 
beautiful,  highly  bred  horses,  is  a  very  valuable 
one.  The  poultry  yards,  are  filled  with  many  varie 
ties  of  fine  fowls.  All  show  the  effects  of  careful 
attention,  from  the  hands  of  care  takers,  who  are 
both  kind  and  skillful. 

On  the  opposite  side  of  the  village,  near  the 
nursery,  the  numerous  fish  ponds  are  located.  Flower 
bordered,  island  studded,  and  tree  margined,  with 
surfaces  dotted  here  and  there,  by  tiny  fleets  of 
graceful,  shell-like  pleasure  boats.  They  add  much 
to  the  rare  beauty  of  this  pastoral  picture.  Beneath 


316  SOLARIS  FARM. 

the  rippling  surface  of  the  clear  water,  in  these 
miniature  lakes,  flash  the  shining  scales  of  a  swarm 
ing  host,  of  the  most  delicious  of  food  fishes. 

Fragrant,  purple  and  gold,  the  heavily  laden  vine 
yards,  are  growing  and  glowing  in  the  bright  sun 
light.  They  give  promise  of  an  early  generous 
fruitage.  Thrifty  orchards  of  healthy  well-grown 
fruit  trees,  including  many  varieties,  are  fast  com 
ing  to  maturity.  Waving  fields  of  golden  grain, 
ripple  in  the  simmering  heat  of  a  noon-day  sun,  or 
rustle  and  billow  with  each  passing  breeze,  under 
the  pale  light  of  a  harvest  moon.  Beautiful  fields 
of  cotton  and  corn,  are  an  inspiration  to  behold. 
Fine  fields  of  vegetables,  nurseries,  gardens  and 
shrubberies,  with  a  wealth  of  lovely  flower  plots,  all 
add  to  the  charm  of  the  general  effect. 

The  extension  of  the  co-operative  system,  to  em 
brace  the  second  farm,  has  been  well  started.  Fen- 
wick  Farm,  is  the  name  chosen  for  this  farm  number 
two,  of  the  series.  Two  years  of  intelligent,  well- 
directed  work,  by  its  wide  awake,  industrious  peo 
ple,  have  shown  surprising  results  !  They  are  con 
stantly  inspired  to  do  better  work  by  the  hope  of 
being  able  to  reach  a  degree  of  success,  equal  to 
that  achieved  by  Solaris.  In  this  respect,  the  spirit 
of.  healthy  rivalry,  which  has  arisen,  gives  them  an 
advantage,  which  the  parent  colony  did  not  have. 
The  success  already  attained  by  Fenwick  Farm,  has 
attracted  widespread  attention,  in  the  surrounding 
communities.  The  effect  for  the  good  of  the  county, 
and  of  its  people,  socially,  politically  and  financially, 
has  been  quite  remarkable.  The  tax  payers  of  the 
county,  are  delighted  !  They  have  been  completely 
won  over,  to  the  side  of  co-operative  farming,  by 
the  force  of  this  second  example. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  317 

One  of  the  greatest  gains,  which,  has  arisen  from 
co-operative  effort  for  mutual  benefit,  between  the 
two  colonies,  has  been  practically  illustrated,  in  the 
great  work  of  road  building.  These  two  co-opera 
tive  farm  villages,  are  now  connected  by  a  broad, 
smooth,  well  graded  road.  This  road,  ten  miles  in 
length,  is  margined  by  a  wide  strip  of  beautifully 
kept  parking.  Five  miles  of  this  parking,  on  either 
side  of  this  magnificent  boulevard,  become  the  espe 
cial  care,  of  each  village.  No  city  in  the  union, 
could  display  better  taste,  or  greater  pride,  in  keep 
ing  these  beautiful  parks,  in  the  most  perfect  con 
dition. 

In  order  to  keep  the  park  lawns,  foliage  and 
flowers,  always  looking  clean  and  bright,  it  becomes 
necessary  to  keep  this  road  free  from  dust.  For 
this  purpose,  "the  entire  road  surface,  is  given  a  fre 
quent  sprinkling  with  petroleum.  After  each  sprink 
ling,  the  enormous  pressure  of  an  hundred-ton  roller, 
soon  converts  the  layer  of  moistened  dust,  into  a 
hard,  smooth  mass  of  oily  rock.  This  process  is 
repeated  until  a  thick,  heavy,  durable  surface  of 
water-proof  rock,  is  secured.  This  makes  an  ideal 
road  !  The  hard,  well  pounded,  gravelly  soil,  below, 
gives  a  permanent  foundation,  because  it  is  so  well 
protected  against  moisture,  by  this  broad,  indestruct 
ible  roof  of  oily  rock.  The  wide,  slightly  rounded 
surface  of  the  road,  sheds  water  like  a  duck's  back. 
Consequently,  it  is  always  free  from  mud  and  dust. 
The  broad  rubber  tires  of  a  great  variety  of  freight 
motors,  pleasure  mobiles  and  motor  cycles,  do  not 
wear  its  perfect  surface.  The  very  acme  of  pleasure 
is  reached,  in  riding  over  such  a  delightful  road  ! 

After  work  hours  have  passed,  the  pleasure  seek 
ers  from  both  villages,  in  merry  congenial  parties 


318  SOLARIS   FARM. 

are  awheel,  enjoying  to  the  utmost,  the  pure,  sweet, 
flower-perfumed  air,  together  with  the  soothing, 
restful  beauty  of  a  park  lined  drive,  of  such  extent 
and  variety,  as  a  multi-millionaire,  might  not  be 
able  to  command.  Could  anything  more  delightful 
be  imagined!  Is  it  any  wonder,  that  people  from 
adjoining  counties,  thirty  miles  away,  come  in  droves, 
to  enjoy  a  ride  over  this  now  famous  road  !  In  the 
hearts  of  all  comers,  is  stirred  the  imitative  spirit  of 
rivalry.  They  return  to  their  homes,  determined  to 
co-operate  with  their  neighbors,  at  least  to  an  extent 
that  will  enable  them  to  build  such  roads  for  them 
selves.  They  are  convinced,  that  the  excellence  of 
its  roads,  in  any  community,  is  the  only  sure  test, 
which  will  indicate  the  exact  degree  of  civilization, 
attained  by  its  people. 

At  the  village  of  Solaris,  the  universal  use  of  Sol 
aris  brick,  of  the  various  patterns  and  sizes,  has 
proved  an  important  factor  in  the  construction  of 
sidewalks,  store  houses,  industrial  buildings,  cot 
tages,  the  hotel,  the  schools  and  the  theatre.  The 
visitor  is  at  once  impressed  by  the  wholesome,  at 
tractive,  substantial  appearance,  given  to  the  town 
by  the  use  of  this  excellent  and  durable  brick.  In 
this  respect,  the  square  mosaic  bricks,  of  unique  de 
sign,  used  in  laying  the  broad  sidewalks,  twenty 
feet  in  width,  which  border  Railroad  Avenue,  the 
street  leading  straight  from  the  public  square,  to 
the  railroad  station,  create  an  effect  so  marked  that 
it  never  fails  to  attract  attention  and  admiration. 
The  symmetrical  trees  and  well-kept  parking  which 
line  this  avenue,  serve  to  enhance  the  pleasing  effect. 

The  artistic  skill  acquired  by  the  people  of  Solaris, 
in  the  making  and  laying  of  this  new  style  of  brick, 
adds  another  important  advantage,  to  the  long  list 


SOLARIS  FARM.  319 

offered  by  co-operative  methods.  In  color,  thick 
ness,  sanitary  shapes,  variety  of  designs,  fire-proof 
qualities,  polished  smoothness  and  durability,  these 
bricks  recommend  themselves  to  the  favor  of  the 
general  public,  wherever  they  go.  Without  any 
effort  in  the  line  of  advertising,  the  general  demand 
for  them  has  continued  to  increase,  until  brick-mak 
ing  has  become  the  leading  lucrative  industry  on 
the  farm. 

Among  the  new  buildings  at  Solaris,  most  worthy 
of  mention,  are  the  theatre,  and  the  two  large  school 
buildings,  on  either  side  of  it.  These  structures, 
are  by  far  the  finest  ones  in  the  village.  The  affec 
tionate  pride  they  excite  in  the  hearts  of  the  vil 
lagers,  is  well  deserved.  Centrally  located,  on  the 
east  side  of  the  public  square,  this  triumvirate  of 
noble  buildings,  claims  the  admiration  of  the  be 
holder,  from  any  point  of  view  on  the  open  square. 
The  front  walls  are  beautifully  ornamented,  in  har 
mony  with  an  architectural  design,  which  is  con 
sidered  by  critics,  as  exceedingly  artistic.  Inside, 
they  have  been  constructed,  finished,  fitted  and 
furnished,  in  accordance  with  a  design,  that  will  af 
ford  to  the  villagers,  the  highest  order  of  education 
and  amusement. 

The  theatre  is  two  hundred  feet  long,  and  seventy- 
five  feet  wide.  The  schools,  are  each  one  hundred 
and  seventy-five  feet  in  length,  by  forty  feet  in 
width.  They  are  separated  from  the  theatre,  by 
twenty  feet  of  space.  A  roomy  covered  way  from 
the  rear,  connects  them  with  that  building.  In  con 
struction,  care  has  been  taken,  to  secure  perfect 
light  and  ventilation. 

The  school  on  the  left,  is  for  pupils  who  enter  the 
primary,  and  the  first,  second  and  third,  intermediate 


320  SOLARIS  FARM. 

classes.  The  one  on  the  right,  is  for  students,  who 
may  be  promoted  to  the  first,  second  and  third,  high 
schools.  The  seating  capacity  of  each  one,  is  ample 
for  three  hundred  children.  The  decorations  of  the 
walls  and  ceilings  are,  to  a  remarkable  degree,  both 
educative  and  ornamental.  The  equipment  of  school 
furniture,  such  as  seats,  desks,  dictionaries,  text 
books,  globes  and  outline  maps ;  drawing-boards, 
blackboards  and  laboratory  outfit ;  glass  cases,  for 
collections  of  geological  specimens  and  minerals  ; 
life  size,  physiology  models  and  charts  ;  together, 
with  a  complete  series  of  charts  for  the  other 
sciences  ;  is  the  best  that  could  be  designed  or  pro 
cured. 

The  theatre,  is  a  very  important  part  of  the  edu 
cative  system.  Fortunately,  the  accoustic  proper 
ties,  are  remarkably  fine  !  The  entire  interior,  in 
cluding  the  high  ceiling,  is  decorated  with  such 
boldly  beautiful  designs,  that  they  never  fail  to 
gratify  the  artistic  sense  of  the  beholder.  At  night, 
the  charming  effect  of  these  embellishments,  is  in 
tensified,  by  the  use  of  a  great  number  of  brilliantly 
colored  electric  lights  ;  which  are  skillfully  grouped 
and  interwoven,  as  a  part  of  the  general  decorative 
plan.  The  wide  seats,  are  designed  for  ease  and 
comfort.  They  are  richly  and  durably  upholstered, 
with  dark-brown,  polished  leather.  The  seating  ca 
pacity  of  this  cosey  little  theatre,  is  twenty -five 
hundred. 

The  colonists  have  found  this  histrionic  temple, 
very  useful  It  is  an  ideal  place  for  farm  and  vil 
lage  festivals  ;  and  for  all  kinds  of  entertainments ; 
such  as  orations,  school  exhibitions,  graduation  ex 
ercises,  vocal  and  instrumental  concerts  and  dramas; 
lectures,  operas  and  every  class  of  theatricals.  It  is 


SOLARIS  FARM.  321 

also,  equally  useful  and  fitting,  for  stereopticon  and 
biograph  exhibits,  of  the  astronomy,  geology,  bot 
any,  natural  history,  microscopical,  and  photograph 
ic  clubs. 

The  large,  well  equipped  stage  and  dressing  rooms, 
offer  a  permanent,  desirable  home,  for  the  musical, 
choral  and  dramatic  clubs.  At  intervals  of  three 
months,  four  weeks  in  each  year ;  excellent  pro 
fessional  troups  occupy  the  stage  ;  presenting  a  fine 
variety,  of  wholesome  dramas  and  operas.  In  this 
way,  the  stage  of  this  farm  theatre,  is  made  to 
represent  and  reflect,  the  passing  progress  of  the 
dramatic  and  operatic  world.  During  the  intervals 
between  these  star-company  weeks,  the  home-talent 
club,  presents  regular,  tri- weekly  performances,  un 
der  the  supervision  of  a  skillful  director.  The  re 
maining  nights  are  as  a  rule,  pretty  well  utilized  by 
the  numerous  local  entertainments,  before  mentioned. 

This  brief  sketch  of  the  generous  provision,  made 
for  the  education  and  amusement  of  the  people  of 
Solaris,  will,  in  connection  with  the  nursery  and 
kindergarten,  hereafter  to  be  described,  show  what 
the  co-operative  farm  can  do,  when  it  undertakes  to 
give  to  its  people  a  class  of  educational  training  and 
amusement,  which  in  many  respects,  is  superior  to 
the  best  that  money  can  buy  for  the  wealthy.  It 
will  also  demonstrate,  what  can  be  accomplished, 
when  the  farm  determines  to  produce,  and  to  fitting 
ly  educate  and  train,  a  superior  class  of  children,  as 
the  most  important  part  of  the  legitimate  work  of  a 
co-operative  farm.  The  highest  expression  of  agri 
culture  !  {The  culture  of  children  as  a  fine  art  !  The 
production  of  such  children,"  as  will  make  ideal  cit 
izens  for  a  perfect  Republic  ! 

The  practical  class  in  farm  chemistry,  only  twelve 

11 


322  SOLARIS  FARM. 

in  number,  is  an  organization  made  up  by  a  careful 
selection  from  the  brightest  minds  and  best  thinkers 
in  the  colony.  Under  the  leadership  of  Fillmore 
Flagg,  it  has  accomplished  some  excellent  experi 
mental  work;  It  has  been  able  to  add  several  valu 
able  allied  industries  to  the  resources  of  the  farm,  in 
addition  to  those  already  described. 

In  breaking  ground  for  opening  the  new  mica  and 
zinc  mines,  a  great  quantity  of  peculiar  clay  was 
discovered.  This  clay  was  of  a  very  fine  quality, 
entirely  free  from  sand,  gravel  or  other  impurities. 
Yet,  strangely  enough,  it  would  not  make  good  china, 
porcelain,  or  pottery !  There  was  a  greasy  smooth 
ness  of  feeling  possessed  by  this  clay,  which  sug 
gested  its  name,  tallow  clay.  After  considerable  ex 
posure  to  the  air,  it  would  crack  and  slack  until 
finally  dissolved  into  a  fine  powder.  The  class  was 
puzzled.  The  members  were  on  their  mettle  !  The 
more  they  worked  with  this  curious  clay  and  failed, 
the  more  they  became  interested  and  determined 
to  persevere,  until  some  discovery  should  reward 
them.  The  greasy  quality  of  the  clay,  suggested 
soap-stone.  Now,  the  class  members  had  long 
wished  for  some  material  out  of  which  they  could 
manufacture  a  first-class  quality  of  artificial  soap- 
stone.  This  tallow  clay  promised  good  results, 
if  they  could  only  eliminate  the  few  constituents, 
which  were  not  present  in  the  real  soap-stone.  The 
weeks  of  careful  research  spent  in  this  eliminating 
process,  finally  crowned  the  efforts  of  the  class  with 
a  complete  success.  The  result,  was  an  artificial 
soap-stone  of  excellent  quality.  Even,  when  molded 
in  thin  plates,  it  would  withstand  exposure  to  intense 
heat  for  long  periods  of  time,  without  warping  or 
shrinking.  It  soon  became  evident,  that  it  could  be 


SOLARIS  FARM.  323 


made  more  useful  and  more  valuable,  than  real 
soap-stone. 

After  some  weeks  of  experimental  work,  in  various 
processes  of  manufacture,  the  right  method  was 
reached.  Fillmore  Flagg  was  convinced,  that  thous 
ands  of  tons  of  this  product,  yielding  a  large  profit, 
could  be  placed  on  the  market  much  cheaper  than 
the  best  quality  of  fire  brick.  For  a  great  number 
of  uses  in  the  industrial  arts,  and  for  chemical  fur 
naces,  ore  -  roasting  ovens,  furnace  linings,  stove 
linings  and  even  stoves,  it  would  prove  immeasurably 
superior.  The  popular  demand  for  this  new  soap- 
stone,  soon  sustained  the  judgment  of  Fillmore 
Flagg.  This  demand  continued  to  increase  until  the 
new  industry,  became  one  of  the  most  profitable  on 
the  farm. 

After  the  first  success,  the  class  in  farm  chemistry, 
in  search  of  another  prize,  returned  with  renewed 
vigor,  to  attack  the  tallow  clay.  In  working  over 
the  formidable  heap  of  tailings,  which  had  accumu 
lated  from  the  soap-stone  experiments,  the  second 
prize  was  quickly  found.  It  proved  even  more  im 
portant  than  the  first!  This  mass  of  rejected  clay 
was  found  to  be  exceedingly  rich  in  aluminum. 
Better  still !  It  was  just  in  the  proper  condition,  to 
be  most  cheaply  and  easily  extracted !  It  was  a 
great  find  !  The  class  members  were  crowned  with 
laurels !  Of  course,  they  were  jubilant.  But  they 
were  not  puffed  up  with  pride !  That,  was  not  their 
style ! 

During  the  fifth  year  of  the  reign  of  the  co-oper 
ative  farm  at  Solaris,  the  following  mining  indus 
tries,  were  added  to  its  resources.  Valuable  mines 
of  mica,  lead  and  zinc,  were  opened  and  successfully 
worked.  Electric  car  lines,  connected  these  mines 


324  SOLARIS  FARM. 

with  the  freight  depot  at  Solaris  Station.  There, 
the  lead  and  zinc,  high  grade  ores,  found  a  ready 
market  at  good  prices.  The  mica  was  prepared  for 
use  at  Solaris.  It  was  then  sold  at  a  fine  profit,  in 
connection  with  orders  for  soap-stone. 

For  two  years,  the  canning  factory,  had  furnished 
another  avenue  for  profitably  marketing  large  crops 
of  sweet-corn,  green  peas,  asparagus,  tomatoes, 
peaches,  and  many  kinds  of  perishable  fruits  and 
berries. 

The  demand  for  Solaris  Vegetable  Concentrates, 
and  for  Solaris  Mixture  Concentrates,  has  more 
than  doubled.  The  same  is  true  of  the  Solaris  break 
fast  foods,  and  of  the  material  for  delicious  break 
fast  dishes,  prepared  from  mixtures  of  parched, 
sweet,  and  pop-corn. 

The  vineyards  and  the  quince,  peach,  plum  and 
.cherry  orchards,  have  reached  the  stage  of  full  bear 
ing.  Improved  methods,  careful  culture  and  the 
constant  use  of  better  chemical  agents,  for  the  de 
struction  of  insect  enemies,  have  made  the  heavy 
crops  of  fruits  from  these  vineyards  and  orchards, 
even  more  desirable  and  more  salable  than  ever  be 
fore.  The  farm  income  from  grapes  and  quinces 
alone  amounting  to  over  one  hundred  thousand  dol 
lars  per  annum. 

The  quantity  of  jellies,  jams,  preserves  and  mar 
malades,  made  from  small  fruits,  has  more  than 
doubled.  The  excellence  of  quality,  and  established 
reputation  for  absolute  purity,  has  rapidly  increased 
the  demand  for  them  at  fancy  prices. 

Altogether,  the  rapid  and  continuous  growth  of 
the  farm  income,  from  its  allied  agricultural  and 
manufacturing  industries,  has  largely  increased  the 
wages  of  the  co-operators.  The  purchases  at  the 


SOLARIS  FARM.  325 

store  have  been  correspondingly  augmented.  The 
sale  of  goods  by  the  store,  to  surrounding  commun 
ities,  has  been  greatly  extended.  The  result  has 
been  a  constantly  increasing  volume  of  the  seven 
and  one- half  per  cent  profits,  steadily  pouring  into 
the  insurance  fund.  Both  the  general  service  fund 
and  the  fund  for  purposes  of  education  and  amuse 
ment,  have  been  equally  benefitted.  Fifty  thousand 
dollars,  have  been  added  to  the  stock  of  goods,  in 
the  store.  The  store  building,  has  been  enlarged 
and  improved.  A  large  hotel  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  constantly  increasing  number  of  visitors,  has 
been  erected  and  equipped.  At  all  times,  plenty  of 
money  has  been  at  hand,  with  which  to  push  for 
ward  all  necessary  farm  or  village  improvements. 
The  fame  of  such  general  prosperity,  has  gone 
abroad,  in  the  land ;  placing  the  financial  standing 
of  the  Solaris  Farm  Company,  on  a  firm  basis  with 
the  commercial  world. 

Five  years  of  co-operative  work,  have  convinced 
the  people  of  Solaris,  that  successful  agriculture, 
demands  the  determined  effort,  the  best  thought,  the 
scientific  work  and  the  combined  energy  of  a  well 
organized  force  of  earnest,  unselfish,  steadfast  work 
ers.  They  are  very  enthusiastic  over  the  wonderful 
results  achieved.  Freed  from  the  shackles  and  sins 
of  a  selfish  life,  they  bear  the  unmistakable  stamp 
of  progress,  socially,  industrially,  intellectually  and 
ethically.  Having  cast  aside  the  burden  of  care  and 
worry  about  the  future,  both  for  themselves  and 
their  children,  they  have  had  a  chance  to  grow  and 
expand  in  the  real  sunshine  of  life.  They  have  be 
come  dignified,  self-poised,  well  dressed,  educated, 
refined,  cultured  and  polished  men  and  women.  Good 
citizens,  of  which,  any  commonwealth  might  well  be 


326  SOLARIS  FARM. 

proud  !  Vitally,  and  vastly  more  important  !  They 
have  become  dominant  thinkers,  who  are  capable  of 
wisely  and  unselfishly,  thinking  and  planning  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Republic  ! 

In  the  remarkable  success  achieved  by  Solaris 
Farm,  our  hero,  Fillmore  Flagg,  has  realized  his 
highest  ambition,  his  brightest  hopes.  Relieved 
from  further  responsibility,  as  general  manager,  by 
the  last  annual  election  of  the  Solaris  Farm  Com 
pany,  he  has  had  an  opportunity  to  turn  his  attention 
to  organizing  companies,  for  the  eight  remaining 
farm  sites.  In  this  work,  he  has  had  valuable  as 
sistance  from  the  officers  and  members  of  the  com 
pany.  With  a  view  of  making  Solaris  the  present 
headquarters  of  the  general  movement ;  acting  on 
advice  of  Fillmore  Flagg,  the  Solaris  Farm  Com 
pany,  has  amended  its  charter,  to  increase  the  mem 
bership  of  the  company  to  one  thousand ;  doubling 
the  capital  stock.  Five  thousand  acres  of  adjoining 
lands  have  been  secured,  the  farmers  from  whom 
they  were  purchased,  coming  into  the  company  as 
stock-holders.  This  course  seemed  necessary  and 
wise,  in  order  to  properly  balance  the  growing  in 
dustrial  and  commercial  importance  of  Solaris.  With 
such  a  large  increase  in  the  number  of  co-operators, 
a  surplus  of  capable  young  men  and  women,  would 
be  available,  from  which  to  select  volunteers,  as  the 
nucleus  of  a  corps  of  experienced  officers  for  the 
newly  organized  farm  companies.  In  this  way,  Sol 
aris,  as  the  parent  farm,  would  become  very  impor 
tant  as  the  training  school,  for  teachers  that  were  to 
supply  the  wants  of  such  new  farms  as  might  grow 
out  of  the  general  movement. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  327 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

THE    KINDERGARTEN    AT    SOLARIS. 

AMONG  the  important  buildings  at  Solaris,  we 
must  consider  the  large,  well  appointed  nursery, 
kindergarten  and  mothers  club  combined.  The 
mothers  club  occupying  a  handsome  wing  to  the 
main  building.  Located  just  in  the  rear  of  the  long 
row  of  palace  homes,  and  connected  with  them  by  a 
long,  wide,  many-windowed  hall,  it  has  proved  ad 
mirably  adapted  to  the  purpose  for  which  it  was 
built.  This  beautiful  structure,  is  environed  by  a 
lovely  lawn,  charmingly  variegated  with  flowers  and 
shrubbery.  It  is  surrounded  on  three  sides,  by  a 
wide,  low  veranda,  only  one  step  above  the  lawn. 
This  veranda,  except  where  a  broad  step  connects  it 
with  the  lawn,  is  shut  in  by  a  tall  balustrade.  By 
this  means  unguarded  children  are  prevented  from 
falling.  A  broad,  overhanging  roof,  of  picturesque 
design,  covers  the  entire  building.  From  the  inter 
ior,  many  windows  coming  down  to  the  floor,  open 
on  to  the  veranda. 

The  entire  floor  space,  the  full  size  of  the  main 
building,  sixty  by  two  hundred  feet,  is  unobstructed 
by  a  partition.  That  portion  devoted  to  the  nursery, 
is  only  separated  from  the  kindergarten  by  a  low 
balustrade.  A  large  skylight,  in  the  central  roof, 
floods  this  extraordinary  room  with  an  abundance  of 
light.  Screens  of  thin,  white,  silky  cloth  are  so  ar 
ranged,  that  this  light  may  be  regulated  and  soft 
ened  to  any  desired  extent.  The  lofty  ceiling  is 
arched,  groined  and  decorated,  very  like  a  cath 
edral.  The  high  walls  are  modestly  tinted  a  pale 


328  SOLARIS  FARM. 

green.  A  broad,  beautifully  designed,  exquisitely 
colored  border,  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  splendor 
of  the  ceiling,  runs  uniformly  around  the  upper  walls 
of  this  delightful  room,  adding  immensely  to  the 
general  artistic  effect. 

One  peculiarity  in  connection  with  the  floor,  marks 
a  wide  departure  from  the  ordinary  arrangements 
of  a  nursery  or  kindergarten  school.  Six  feet  dis 
tant  from  the  washboard,  a  depressed  railway  track, 
equipped  with  long  platform  cars,  ten  feet  in  width, 
having  their  surfaces  just  level  with  the  main  floor, 
describes  a  circuit  of  the  room.  Except  at  the 
places  of  entrance  or  exit,  this  circular  train  or  sec 
tion  of  floor  on  wheels,  is  guarded  on  either  side  by 
a  low  railing.  These  railings  also  extend  across  the 
cars,  far  enough  from  the  ends  to  allow  a  four  foot 
passage  between  each  one.  In  material  and  finish, 
the  floor  of  the  train  is  uniform  with  that  of  the 
room.  The  railings  are  all  of  polished  oak.  Two 
cute  little  gates  on  each  car  open  to  the  passage  way 
at  the  ends. 

The  machinery  which  propels  this  exaggerated 
perambulator,  is  run  by  electric  power.  It  is  so  ad 
justed,  as  to  be  perfectly  under  the  control  of  the 
nurses  and  teachers  in  charge  of  the  room.  The  iron 
frames  from  which  fifty  swinging  cribs  are  hung,  oc 
cupy  considerable  space  on  several  cars.  These 
cribs  are  for  the  exclusive  use  of  infants,  too  young 
or  too  weak  to  sit  up.  The  remaining  space  on  the 
cars  of  this  infantile  merry-go-round,  which  the 
mothers'  club  members  have  named  the  Cargosita, 
is  furnished  with  a  remarkable  variety  of  single  and 
double  seats,  made  low  enough  to  be  comfortable  for 
children  from  eight  to  thirty  months  old.  These 
seats  are  as  artistic  as  they  are  unique  !  They  rep- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  329 

resent  on  a  small  scale,  ostriches,  swans,  geese,  dogs, 
goats,  horses,  mules,  zebras,  camels,  elephants, 
tigers,  and  lions  ;  wagons,  phaetons,  cycles,  cars  and 
a  great  variety  of  pleasure  boats.  The  seating  ca 
pacity  of  the  cargosita  is  about  three  hundred,  the 
number  of  children  in  the  nursery  and  kindergarten, 
who  are  under  four  years  of  age.  Older  children 
become  inmates  of  the  regular  schools. 

The  cargosita,  when  ornamented  with  a  profusion 
of  silk  flags,  resplendent  with  gaily  colored  ribbon 
streamers,  handsome  mats  and  a  choice  collection  of 
small  potted  plants,  palms  and  flowers  ;  becomes  a 
thing  of  beauty,  well  calculated  to  capture  and  fas 
cinate  the  childish  heart.  When  the  train  is  in 
motion,  gaily  spinning  around  this  five-hundred-foot 
oval;  the  cribs  and  seats  filled  with  bright  happy 
children,  smiling  and  crowing,  their  chubby  little 
hands  clapping  in  unison  with  the  measure  of  such 
exquisite  music  as  is  discoursed  by  a  giant  orches 
trion,  or  the  electric  piano,  the  vision  becomes  the 
lovliest  and  most  inspiring  one  of  a  life  time ! 

When  we  consider  the  cargosita  as  an  instrument 
for  education,  we  find  that  it  is  even  more  potent  as 
such,  than  as  a  thing  for  amusement.  For  the  pur 
pose  of  educating  the  senses,  thus  laying  a  sure 
foundation,  for  a  broad,  healthy,  harmonious,  de 
velopment  of  the  mind,  it  is  invaluable  ! 

A  child  is  the  repository  of  infinite  possibilities ! 
Education,  is  the  process  of  unfolding  these  possi 
bilities,  in  harmony  with  natural  law.  To  discover, 
and  to  apply  this  law,  is  the  important  work  of  the 
educator ! 

To  Prof.  Elmer  Gates,  and  to  his  remarkable  dis 
coveries  in  Psychology  and  Psychurgy,  the  modern 
educator  owes  a  heavy  debt  of  gratitude !  From  the 


330  SOLARIS   FARM. 

teachings  of  Prof.  Gates,  we  deduce ;  that  in  brain 
building,  that  primary  step  in  education,  psychologic 
functioning  creates  organic  structure,  and  that  or 
ganic  structure  is  a  manifestation  in  the  concrete, 
of  the  activities  of  the  mind.  In  other  words,  that 
planted,  watered  and  nourished,  by  the  emotions  of 
the  individual,  the  thoughts,  ideas,  concepts  and 
images  which  arise,  create  a  corresponding  growth 
of  cell  structure  in  the  brain.  That  these  brain 
cells  become  the  working  tools  of  the  mind. 

It  follows  then,  that  we  cannot  have  thoughts, 
without  first  having  sensations  to  form  images  and 
concepts,  the  soil  out  of  which  all  thoughts  naturally 
grow.  Therefore,  if  in  a  practical  way,  all  possi 
bilities  in  the  way  of  sensations,  which  may  come 
through  the  avenue  of  each  one  of  the  child's  senses, 
are  fully  developed ;  a  sure  foundation  has  been 
laid,  for  the  largest  possible  development  of  brain 
and  the  corresponding  growth  of  thought. 

In  the  natural  order  of  the  growth  of  thought, 
nature  prescribes  the  following  sequence  :  A  union 
of  sensations, produces  images;  a  grouping  of  images, 
produces  concepts  ;  a  relationing  of  concepts,  pro 
duces  ideas  ;  a  generalizing  of  ideas,  produces 
thoughts  of  the  first  order;  a  generalization  of 
thoughts  of  the  first  order,  produces  thoughts  of 
the  second  order  :  a  still  wider  generalization  of 
thoughts  of  the  second  order,  produces  thoughts  of 
the  third  order  ;  progressing  in  like  manner,  to  the 
highest  ladder  of  the  mental  scale. 

In  considering  this  order,  we  observe  that  sensa 
tions,  form  the  base  of  the  educational  pyramid. 
All  knowledge  which  comes  to  the  ego,  the  seat  of 
consciousness,  must  come  through  sensations  pro 
duced  by  contact  with  material  things  in  the  do- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  331 

main  of  nature.  Hence,  as  a  primary  step  in  educa 
tional  work,  a  careful  training  of  the  senses,  be 
comes  a  matter  of  the  greatest  importance.  This 
training  cannot  be  commenced,  without  first  ascer 
taining  what  these  senses  are,  and  the  natural  order 
of  their  evolution. 

Commencing  with  the  lowest,  we  have  muscle  feel 
ings,  or  the  sense  of  musculation ;  the  sense  of 
touch,  the  sense  of  pressure,  the  sense  of  warmth, 
the  sense  of  cold,  the  sense  of  smell,  the  sense  of 
taste,  the  sense  of  hearing  and  the  sense  of  seeing. 
Altogether,  we  have  nine  important  avenues,  through 
which  the  inner  man  may  gain  a  correct  knowledge 
of  the  outer  world. 

Professor  Gates  has  discovered  a  system  of  sense 
training,  which  may  be  successfully  applied  to  kin 
dergarten  children.  In  application,  only  a  few  min 
utes  daily  practice  by  each  child,  is  required.  By 
this  training,  in  extending  the  upper  and  lower 
thresholds  of  sensation,  the  capacity  of  each  sense, 
may  be  doubled  from  five  to  eight  times.  To  the 
inexperienced,  this  proposition  is  so  stupendous, 
that  it  seems  almost  unthinkable  !  However,  we 
may  state  parenthetically,  that  an  application  of  this 
system,  to  children  in  the  Solaris  kindergarten,  has 
shown  such  marvelous  results,  that  its  efficacy  and 
excellence  have  been  well  established.  It  has  proved 
fully  equal  to  the  demands  of  twentieth  century 
progress  ! 

Turning  again  to  the  teachings  of  Prof.  Gates,  we 
learn  that  mind  is  the  key -stone  and  the  arch  of  life, 
the  all-containing  attribute,  which  combines  all  forms 
of  its  expression  :  that  to  properly  cultivate  the 
mind,  is  to  extend  the  scope  and  usefulness  of  life. 
Hence,  that  in  choosing  a  system  of  education,  which 


332  SOLARIS  FARM. 

will  be  in  harmony  with  planetary  evolution,  there 
fore,  the  easiest  and  most  natural.  We  must  never 
lose  sight  of  one  great,  central,  primal  fact.  It  is 
this.  The  mind  of  the  child,  which  is  to  be  unfolded, 
is  the  production  of  the  cosmic  universe ;  therefore, 
cannot  be  in  fundamental  antagonism  with  it.  It 
follows,  then,  that  if  children  gather  their  sensations, 
images,  concepts,  ideas,  and  thoughts,  directly  from 
the  phenomena  of  that  universe,  they  will  acquire  a 
kind  of  knowledge,  so  real,  so  superior,  that  it  will 
stand  the  test  of  an  eternity.  It  is  actual  knowledge! 
There  is  no  theory,  no  speculation,  no  guesswork 
about  it ! 

The  sciences,  are  facts  regarding  the  phenomena 
of  the  universe,  classified  and  arranged  in  an  orderly 
manner.  All  facts  of  every  kind,  naturally  fall  into 
the  domain  of  some  one  of  the  sciences. 

Man,  as  the  highest  expression  of  the  planet,  in 
his  three-fold  nature,  becomes  the  gleaner,  the 
classifier,  and  the  repository  of  these  facts.  A 
beautiful  exposition  of  the  clever  handiwork,  of  the 
law  of  action  and  re-action.  As  a  cosmic  unit  of  the 
larger  cosmos,  the  more  perfect  his  knowledge  of 
the  universe,  the  more  complete,  is  his  store  of 
knowledge  in  relation  to  himself. 

Children,  in  order  to  become  properly  equipped 
students,  must,  when  ready  to  take  up  the  sciences, 
be  prepared  to  determine  what  the  actual  sensations 
are,  out  of  which  the  different  possible  images  of  the 
sciences  are  composed.  To  achieve  the  most  thor 
ough  education  possible,  they  must  know  the  actual 
number  of  concepts  in  each  science,  and  precisely 
the  images  out  of  which  they  have  arisen!  They 
will  then  be  prepared,  to  collect  and  classify,  the 
mentative  data  of  the  sciences.  That  is,  they  will 


SOLARIS  FARM.  333 

be  able  to  determine  for  themselves,  experimentally, 
the  sensations,  images,  concepts,  ideas  and  thoughts, 
which  belong  to  each  one. 

Practice  in  this  useful  training,  will  lead  the  pupil, 
to  the  higher,  wider  generalizations  of  thought, 
which  belong  to  the  domain  of  pure  reason.  In  the 
work  of  classification,  by  detecting  differences,  a 
knowledge  of  the  inductive  process  is  gained.  Sim 
ilarly,  by  detecting  likenesses,  a  knowledge  of  de 
ductive  reasoning  is  acquired. 

The  body,  like  the  brain,  being  composed  of  a  co 
operative  colony  of  more  or  less  intelligent  cells,  is 
an  important  part  of  the  mind,  which  responds  to 
educational  training.  True  education,  then  is  a  de 
velopment  of  both  mind  and  body,  in  accord  with  the 
law  of  natural  evolution,  that  embraces  all  there  is 
in  the  domain  of  morals,  pertaining  to  right  thinking, 
right  living  and  right  doing.  In  other  words,  the 
action  of  the  mind  comprehends  the  physical,  intel 
lectual,  moral  and  spiritual  expression  of  the  indi 
vidual.  Therefore,  by  the  rightly  conducted  pro 
cesses  of  a  higher  education,  we  may  form  an  evenly 
developed  character  of  the  highest  order.  A  char 
acter,  unfolded  physically,  intellectually  and  spirit 
ually,  in  harmony  with  the  requirements  of  cosmic 
law.  Hence,  the  imperative  necessity,  in  the  early 
training  of  children,  of  introducing  the  first  steps  of 
this  system  of  true  education. 

Prom  these  premises  we  must  conclude,  that  the 
first  four  years  of  a  child's  life,  should  be  devoted 
to  some  systematic  method,  for  acquiring  a  most 
complete  equipment  of  exact  images,  which  will  af 
ford  the  basis  for  typical  sensations,  emotions,  ideas 
and  thoughts,  regarding  things  in  the  domain  of 
nature,  about  which,  later  in  life,  the  child  must 


334  SOLARIS  FARM. 

know  in  order  to  become  educated.  To  this  end, 
children  must  have  opportunities  during  these  im 
portant  years  of  image  building,  to  experience  all  the 
sensations,  and  to  form  all  the  true  images,  that  can 
come  to  them  through  the  senses  of  seeing,  hearing, 
tasting,  smelling,  touching,  feeling  and  sensations 
of  temperature,  such  as  heat  and  cold. 

It  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  that  these  early 
images,  which  are  to  become  the  standard  of  the 
mind,  in  all  judgments  of  future  years ;  should  be 
made  as  complete  and  as  perfect  as  possible. 

A  child  is  primarily  and  instinctively  imitative. 
From  the  first  dawn  of  intelligence,  children  strive 
to  emulate  the  acts  of  their  brighter,  older  and 
better-taught  associates.  Hence,  the  necessity  for 
a  nursery  and  kindergarten  training,  such  as  the 
one  instituted  at  Solaris.  Practical  work,  in  this 
novel  and  magnificently  equipped  institution,  has 
proved  conclusively,  that,  even  in  ear]y  infancy, 
associated  together  in  happy  groups,  children  ac 
quire  intellectual,  moral  and  physical  training,  much 
more  easily  and  swiftly,  than  is  possible  under  any 
other  -circumstances.  This  affords  another  demon 
stration,  of  the  efficacy  of  co-operative  group  work, 
in  the  primary  steps  of  education. 

The  cargosita,  is  well  calculated  to  offer  children 
the  most  perfect  conditions,  for  accumulating  a  well 
selected  store  of  sensations  and  images,  through  the 
avenues  of  the  different  senses.  A  teacher  or  nurse, 
usually  some  member  of  the  mothers'  club,  is  seated 
on  each  car  as  the  center  of  its  group.  It  becomes 
her  pleasure,  to  direct  attention  to  the  various  ob 
jects.  Let  us  follow  the  cargosita  with  its  precious 
freight,  as  it  slowly  moves  around  the  oval. 

Images  produced  by  the  sense  of  seeing,  are  first 


SOLARIS  FARM.  335 

in  order.  Large  sheets  of  thick,  heavy  paper  mounted 
on  cloth,  seven  in  number,  displaying  the  different 
colors  of  the  rainbow,  are  hung  at  uniform  intervals 
around  the  room.  They  can  be  raised  or  lowered, 
to  reach  an  easy  angle  of  vision  from  the  cars.  After 
each  primary  color,  appear  half- width  sheets  of  the 
same  height,  displaying  the  various  hues,  tints  and 
shades  of  that  particular  color.  Printed  across  each 
sheet  in  large  white  letters,  is  the  name  of  the 
color,  hue,  tint  or  shade.  Altogether,  this  color 
scheme  forms  a  combination  of  great  length,  of  such 
remarkable  variety,  that  it  becomes  for  the  little 
ones,  a  well  nigh  inexhaustable  source  of  fascinating 
amusement. 

Red,  with  its  various  hues,  tints  and  shades,  is 
the  first  color  to  be  exhibited.  Three  days  later, 
another  color  series  is  substituted.  This  course  is 
continued  until  the  entire  series  is  finished.  The 
children  have  experienced  in  a  regular  sequence, 
the  sensations  and  images,  produced  by  the  entire 
scale  of  color.  These  mental  pictures  have  been  re 
peated  so  often,  in  connection  with  the  muscular 
sense  of  exhilarating  motion,  that  they  have  become 
permanently  enregistered  in  brain- cell  formation.  A 
review  every  few  months,  serves  to  fix  these  images 
more  firmly  in  the  brain. 

This  primary  course  of  educative  work  is  continued, 
by  taking  up  consecutively,  in  regular  order ;  on  a 
separate  series  of  sheets,  life  size,  naturally  colored 
photographs,  of  fishes,  reptiles,  insects,  birds,  ani 
mals,  and  people.  Later,  geological  specimens,  glass, 
rocks  and  minerals.  To  be  followed  by  pictures  of 
life  in  the  vegetable  kingdom,  flowers,  fruits,  plants 
and  trees.  Again,  with  photographs  of  works  of 
art,  paintings  and  statuary. 


336  SOLARIS  FARM. 

Interspersed  with  this  general  course,  are  short 
lessons,  offered  to  produce  true  images,  in  the  hear 
ing,  s  aaelling  and  tasting  areas  of  the  brain. 

First,  by  repeating  at  different  times,  while  the 
cargosita  is  in  motion,  with  its  cargo  of  infantile 
passengers,  all  of  the  best  musical  compositions, 
executed  vocally,  and  on  the  electric  piano,  the 
giant  orchestrion,  the  violin,  and  a  great  variety  of 
other  musical  instruments.  These  lessons  in  hear 
ing,  are  repeated  and  varied,  until  the  children  have 
become  familiar  with  most  of  the  sounds  in  the  tone 
scale.  The  mental  sound  images  produced,  have 
been  associated  with  the  happy  scenes  of  this  merry 
kindergarten  life.  By  this  interweaving  of  pleasant 
sensations,  they  have  become  more  firmly  fixed  in  a 
healthy  group  of  brain  cells,  thus  planted  and  es 
tablished  in  the  hearing  areas  of  the  brain. 

Second  :  In  a  similar  manner,  the  taste  sensations 
and  images,  are  produced  and  registered.  Day  after 
day,  one  by  one,  tiny  packages  of  confections,  beauti 
fully  wrapped  in  brilliantly  colored  papers,  are 
given  to  the  children  while  on  their  cargosita  ex 
cursions.  These  interesting  lessons  are  continued, 
until  the  entire  range  of  savors  has  been  exhausted. 
The  curiosity,  excitement,  pleasure  and  eagerness 
exhibited  by  children,  in  these  tasting  investiga 
tions,  is  something  surprising. 

Third :  Flowers,  beautiful  flowers  of  all  kinds, 
are  largely  used  in  producing  sensations  and  images, 
to  be  registered  in  the  brain  areas  of  the  sense  of 
smell.  The  essence  of  odors  which  cannot  be  gotten 
from  flowers,  are  used  to  saturate  small  sachet  bags, 
of  charming  color  and  artistic  design.  These  bags 
make  attractive  play-things  for  the  children.  While 
using  them  they  soon,  unconsciously,  become  very 


SOLARIS  FARM.  337 

skillful  in  detecting  the  slightest  differences  be 
tween  the  various  odors.  Brain  areas  usually  left 
barren,  are  now  filled  and  developed. 

Later  in  life,  when  children  come  to  study  the 
different  sciencies,  this  ability  to  detect  the  presence 
of  the  slightest  odor,  becomes  invaluable,  in  the 
difficult  work  of  classification.  With  such  an  un 
usual  equipment,  they  will  be  far  in  advance  of 
those  pupils,  who  have  not  wisely,  left  uncultivated 
this  important  sense  of  smelling. 

In  connection  with  the  regular  course  of  exercises, 
prescribed  for  third  and  fourth-year  children,  there 
is  introduced  in  the  play  and  work  rooms  of  the  kin 
dergarten,  a  special  training,  designed  to  develop 
the  various  sensations  of  heat  and  cold:  changes  in 
temperature,  from  one  extreme  to  the  other :  sensi 
tiveness  to  touch  :  to  recognize  any  degree  of  pres 
sure,  from  zero  to  the  violence  of  pain :  ability  to 
detect  size,  length,  breadth,  and  thickness:  degrees 
of  smoothness,  elasticity,  and  hardness  :  all  through 
the  senses  of  touch,  pressure,  and  muscular  feeling. 

Interesting  plays  are  invented  for  the  children, 
into  which,  these  exercises  are  skillfully  introduced. 
These  plays,  have  a  peculiar  fascination.  They  ex 
cite  an  intense  interest,  which  seems  to  always  at 
tract  and  hold  the  child's  attention,  until  there  is 
enregistered,  in  regular  sequence,  in  the  touch  areas 
of  the  brain,  all  the  sensations  and  images,  which 
can  be  produced  by  many  weeks  of  training,  in  this 
systematic  course. 

The  training  of  the  senses,  is  also  carried  forward 
through  the  medium  of  such  plays  as  are  calculated 
to  bring  out  the  child's  capacity  to  distinguish  the 
least  noticeable  difference,  in  pitches  of  color,  degrees 
of  light,  pitches  of  sound,  with  its  degrees  of  volume 


338  SOLARIS  FARM. 

and  loudness ;  together,  with  ability  to  discover  the 
least  noticeable  difference,  in  resistance  to  pressure, 
or  the  slightest  increase  or  decrease  of  rythmical 
motion,  etc.  The  lines  of  least  noticeable  difference, 
in  the  capacity  of  the  various  senses,  having  been 
well  established,  the  training  commences  along  those 
lines.  Very  soon,  in  the  brain  areas  of  the  senses 
under  training,  there  comes  an  increased  cell  growth, 
which  gives  added  sharpness  and  capacity.  The 
line  of  least  noticeable  difference,  is  moved  one  step 
nearer  the  limit.  This  process  is  continued  with 
each  sense  separately,  until  the  limit  for  all  has  been 
reached.  As  a  general  result  of  this  training,  we 
find  that  the  child  has  acquired  an  extraordinary  re 
inforcement  of  brain  power  and  intellectual  acute- 
ness. 

Regular  kindergarten  work,  for  children  at  Sol 
aris,  between  two  and  four  years  of  age ;  is  again  re 
inforced,  by  adding  to  the  list  of  exercises,  a  large 
number  of  plays,  which  introduce  the  variously 
colored,  lettered  blocks,  so  successfully  used  in  Fern 
Fenwick's  early  training,  during  her  seven  years  of 
Alaska  life. 

The  collection  of  blocks,  is  a  very  large  one.  It  Is 
calculated  to  furnish  a  series  of  new  combinations, 
which  cannot  be  exhausted,  in  the  plays  of  one 
whole  year.  These  blocks  are  made  and  colored 
with  the  greatest  care.  The  groups  or  families,  are 
distinguished,  by  size,  shape  and  color.  The  Al 
phabet  blocks,  are  large  cubes,  painted  white,  with 
the  letter  showing  in  black  on  every  side.  All  other 
blocks,  have  a  uniform  thickness  of  one-half  inch. 
They  are  as  large  as  can  be  fashioned  from  blocks 
two  inches  square.  The  names  appear  in  white  let 
ters,  on  all  alike. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  339 

The  astronomy  blocks  are  star  shaped,  painted 
blue.  The  geology  blocks  are  diamond  shaped, 
painted  brown.  The  chemistry  blocks  are  hexa 
gonal  in  shape,  painted  red.  The  geography  blocks 
are  globular  in  shape,  painted  gray.  The  blocks 
representing  physics,  are  octagon  shaped,  painted 
yellow.  The  botany  blocks  are  oblong,  painted 
green.  The  physiology  blocks  are  triangular  in 
shape,  painted  pink.  The  history  blocks  are  square, 
painted  black.  A  large  number  of  the  key-words  of 
the  sciences,  are  painted  on  blocks,  which,  in  size, 
shape  and  color,  are  counterparts  of  those  that  rep 
resent  the  heads  of  families  to  which  they  belong. 

This  scheme  of  blocks,  furnishes  the  ground  work 
for  the  construction  of  a  great  number  of  games,  for 
the  amusement  and  edification  of  the  children. 
Games  of  word-building,  such  as  spelling  out  the 
names  of  fishes,  insects,  reptiles,  birds  and  animals. 
Also  of  building  the  names  of  familiar  things, 
houses,  stables,  light-houses,  factories  and  mills; 
rivers,  ponds,  lakes,  mountains,  trees  and  fields ; 
hats,  shoes,  coats,  cloaks  and  other  articles  of 
clothing ;  common  household  utensils  in  every  day 
use,  such  as  pots,  kettles,  pans,  pails,  cups,  knives, 
forks  and  spoons  ;  stove,  shovel,  tongs,  mop  and 
broom  ;  toys,  dolls,  balls,  kites,  tops,  etc. 

By  the  use  of  many  such  ingenious  games,  the 
children  unconsciously  become  familiar  with  the 
names  of  the  sciences,  and  with  all  the  principal 
words,  which  belong  to  each  one.  For  example : 
Names  of  heavenly  bodies  in  the  domain  of  astron 
omy.  The  sun,  the  moon,  the  milky  way,  the  plan 
ets,  the  constellations,  the  polar  star,  and  the  names 
of  twenty  stars  of  the  greatest  magnitude  :  In  the 
domain  of  geology,  fossils,  shells,  minerals,  rocks, 


340  SOLARIS  FARM. 

shales,  clays,  gravels,  and  the  names  of  geological 
periods  :  In  the  domain  of  chemistry,  the  names  of 
acids,  gases,  metals,  crucibles,  retorts,  mortars, 
and  the  names  of  a  great  variety  of  chemical  com 
binations  :  In  the  domain  of  geography,  globes, 
hemispheres,  continents,  islands,  oceans,  gulfs,  bays, 
and  straits ;  equator,  tropics,  circles,  longitude, 
latitude,  etc.  These  examples,  will  furnish  an  ap 
proximate  idea  of  the  wide  scope  in  scientific  names, 
covered  by  these  key-words,  when  applied  to  all  of 
the  sciences. 

In  such  plays  of  science  grouping,  the  interest  and 
pleasure  of  the  children  is  intensified,  by  applying  a 
system  of  personification,  to  the  families  of  the  dif 
ferent  sciences  :  For  instance,  Mr.  Astronomy  Blue; 
Mrs.  Geology  Brown;  Mr.  Chemistry  Red;  Mrs. 
Geography  Gray,  etc. 

In  the  greatest  and  most  useful  of  all  games,  the 
game  of  classification :  Groups  of  children,  spend 
hours  with  their  teachers  or  directors,  in  separating 
and  classifying,  heaps  of  miscellaneous  blocks,  bear 
ing  the  names  of  the  sciences  and  the  key-words  be 
longing  thereto.  They  are  silent,  absorbed,  con 
tented,  thoroughly  interested  and  happy.  So  intense 
is  the  interest  displayed,  that  after  the  fourth  or 
fifth  game,  every  child  can  correctly  classify  th<^ 
blocks,  by  quickly  placing  them  in  the  groups  to 
which  they  belong.  They  rapidly  learn  to  call  the 
name  at  sight,  which  is  printed  on  any  block  they 
may  happen  to  pick  up.  Those  who  have  not  learned 
to  read  by  playing  word-building  games  with  the 
alphabet  blocks,  only  need  to  have  an  unfamiliar 
name,  repeated  to  them  three  or  four  times  by  the 
director,  and  it  is  fixed.  Size,  shape  and  color  of 
block,  with  length  of  name  and  shape  of  its  letters, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  341 

soon  serves  to  make  the  little  ones,  perfect  masters 
of  the  most  difficult  names. 

These  children  have  learned  the  value  of  time. 
They  have  learned  to  appreciate  the  joyousness  of 
useful  amusement.  They  have  no  desire  to  clog  their 
minds,  with  the  untruthful  trash  of  fairy  tales  and 
Mother  Goose  stories,  which  played  such  an  impor 
tant  part  in  nineteenth  century  methods.  They  no 
longer  need  such  silly  things,  as  a  source  of  amuse 
ment.  They  seem  to  realize,  that  they  only  have 
mind-room,  for  the  truthful,  the  useful  and  the  prac 
tical. 

The  value  and  significance  of  figures,  is  taught  by 
the  game  of  forming  the  pyramid.  On  badges  of 
broad,  blue  ribbon,  are  printed  large  gold  figures, 
from  one  to  ten.  Inside  the  oval,  in  the  center  of 
the  large  room,  ten  rows  of  seats  are  arranged  :  with 
one  seat  in  the  first,  and  ten  in  the  last  row.  That 
is,  one  seat  is  added  to  each  succeeding  row. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  game,  when  number 
one  is  called  by  the  director,  the  little  boy  or  girl, 
who  is  decorated  with  the  badge  bearing  that  num 
ber,  takes  the  first  seat,  which  forms  the  apex  of  the 
pyramid.  The  two  children  who  wear  number  two 
badges ;  when  called  take  seats  in  the  second  row. 
Observing  this  order,  the  calling  is  continued  until 
the  seats  are  filled,  and  the  pyramid  of  fifty-five 
children  is  complete. 

The  director,  having  taken  a  position  a  short  dis 
tance  in  front  of  the  apex  of  the  pyramid,  proceeds 
to  call  the  children  to  their  feet.  Calling  by  num 
ber,  commencing  with  the  tens,  the  rows  rise  in  suc 
cession,  from  the  base  to  the  apex.  Each  row  is 
called  upon  to  perform  some  part  of  a  short  series  of 
graceful  gymnastics.  Then,  the  whole  group  in 


342  SOLARIS  FARM. 

unison.  Later,  these  exercises  are  made  more  in 
teresting,  by  giving  each  child  a  small  silk  flag.  In 
this  part  of  the  game,  the  children  are  at  their  best. 
The  picture  they  make,  is  just  lovely! 

In  the  closing  part  of  the  game,  the  children  are 
seated  and  the  mathematical  exercises  are  introduced. 
The  director  says  :  ' '  Each  child  has  one  nose.  How 
many  noses,  have  the  number  tens  ?  Again,  each 
child  has  one  body.  How  many  bodies,  have  the  num 
ber  nines  ?  Each  child  has  two  eyes.  How  many 
eyes,  have  the  number  eights  ?  Each  child  has  two 
ears.  How  many  ears,  have  the  number  sevens? 
Each  child  has  one  mouth.  How  many  mouths,  have 
the  number  sixes  ?  Each  child  has  two  arms.  How 
many  arms,  have  the  number  fives  ?  Each  child  has 
two  hands.  How  many  hands,  have  the  number 
fours  ?  Each  child  has  two  legs.  How  many  legs, 
have  the  number  threes  ?  Each  child  has  two  feet. 
How  many  feet,  have  the  number  twos  ?  Each  child 
has  ten  fingers  and  ten  toes.  How  many  fingers  and 
toes,  has  number  one  ?  "  These  questions  are  varied 
and  repeated,  day  after  day,  until  every  child  in  the 
pyramid,  can  answer  any  one  of  the  questions,  cor 
rectly  and  promptly.  To  be  chosen  as  a  member  of 
this  game,  is  a  coveted  honor,  it  is  conferred  as  a  re 
ward  for  good  conduct.  Consequently,  the  pride  and 
pleasure  exhibited  by  these  decorated  and  selected 
children,  is  commensurate  with  the  importance  of 
this  very  primitive  class  in  mathematics  and  physi 
ology. 

This  very  brief  outline,  of  the  plays,  exercises  and 
studies,  which  form  the  nursery  and  kindergarten 
course,  for  children  at  Solaris,  who  are  under  four 
years  of  age,  will  serve  to  show  how  much  important 
knowledge,  a  child  can  accumulate  during  those 


SOLARIS  FARM.  343 

fruitful  image-bearing  years,  while  pleasantly  and 
zealously  engaged,  day  after  day,  in  a  series  of 
wisely  directed  games. 

In  playing  these  games,  the  children  have  become 
interested  in,  and  have  learned  a  very  large  number 
of  useful  words.  These  words  in  the  mind  of  the 
child,  are  as  familiar  and  as  easily  remembered,  as 
are  the  names  of  favorite  toys,  such  as  balls,  bats, 
kites  and  dolls.  This  wide  vocabulary  of  key-words 
which  has  become  the  mental  property  of  the  child, 
has  planted  in  the  mind  the  necessary  images,  which 
in  future  years  of  study,  will  serve  as  a  sure  foun 
dation,  for  the  quick  and  easy  mastery  of  all  branches 
of  useful  knowledge.  Many  a  man  of  the  world  has 
gone  through  life,  without  acquiring  such  a  vocabu 
lary. 

Considering  this  primary  course  of  study  from 
another  point  of  view,  we  have  an  illustration  of 
the  value  of  a  method  for  cultivating  the  faculty  of 
memory,  which  differs  widely  from  any  thing  known 
to  ordinary  systems  of  education.  From  this  illus 
tration,  we  perceive  that  the  perfectness  and  per 
manency  of  memory,  is  dependent  on  the  foundations 
which  have  been  laid  for  it,  by  the  quantity  and 
quality  of  sensations  and  images,  regarding  the 
things  to  be  remembered,  which  have  been  registered 
or  planted  in  brain-cell  formation.  These  living 
images,  fixed  on  the  sensitive  plate  of  the  brain  by 
the  law  of  vibration,  in  a  manner  somewhat  anala- 
gous  to  etching  on  the  cylinders  of  a  phonograph, 
are  capable  of  being  reproduced  by  the  will-force 
of  the  individual.  From  these  premises,  we  have 
gained  a  new  definition  for  the  word  memory.  It  is 
a  process  of  refunct-oning  or  reregistering,  any  sen 
sation,  image,  concept,  idea,  or  thought,  which  at 


344  SOLARIS   FARM. 

any  time  has  become  a  part  of   the  growth  of  the 
brain. 

In  the  child's  mind,  memories  regarding  objects  or 
words  which  have  become  familiar,  are  as  a  rule, 
closely  connected  with  memories  of  keen  enjoyment, 
resulting  from  participation  in  some  childish  sport. 
These  memories  are  many  times  repeated.  A  few 
small  groups  of  brain  cells  have  become  dominant  in 
growth,  because  they  have  received  the  full  force  of 
the  entire  stimulating  power  of  the  brain.  Hence, 
the  memories  of  childhood,  are  much  more  enduring 
than  those  of  after  life.  Hence,  it  becomes  a  matter 
of  the  utmost  importance,  that  these  early  images, 
should  be  connected  with  the  greatest  possible  num 
ber  of  natural  objects,  their  names,  and  the  key 
words  of  the  sciences,  which  are  used  to  describe 
them. 

In  these  restless  years  for  the  little  ones,  it  be 
comes  a  matter  of  great  moment,  to  keep  their  minds 
busily  employed,  at  what  appeals  to  their  self-con 
sciousness,  as  some  useful  work.  In  this  respect, 
the  popular  science  games,  gratify  and  completely 
satisfy  the  pride  and  dignity  of  these  embryo  men 
and  women.  The  mind  is  naturally  unfolded,  The 
brain  areas,  are  all  evenly  and  harmoniously  devel 
oped.  The  children,  when  so  usefully  employed, 
are  kept  amiable.  They  do  not  become  nervous, 
irritable,  cross,  or  vicious.  They  are  taught,  as 
soon  as  they  can  walk  and  talk,  that  the  self-respect 
and  innate  dignity,  which  belongs  to  them  as  little 
men  and  little  women,  demands  that  they  should  al 
ways  treat  each  other  lovingly,  politely,  kindly,  un 
selfishly.  It  is  continually  urged  upon  them,  that 
they  must  learn  to  obey  the  nurse  or  teacher,  with 
out  delay,  without  a  murmur ;  that  they  must  not 


SOLARIS  FARM.  345 

cry  or  be  fretful ;  that  in  these  things,  they  must 
always  strive  to  imitate  the  good  acts  of  older  com 
rades  or  playmates.  In  this  way,  the  moral  unfold- 
ment  and  education  of  the  child,  keeps  pace  with  the 
intellectual  and  the  physical.  Altogether,  the  effect 
is  most  excellent !  Thousands  of  children  have  gone 
to  ruin,  for  the  want  of  just  such  training,  in  the 
first  four  years  of  life  ! 

The  planning  and  final  organization,  of  this  novel 
scheme  for  nursery  and  kindergarten  training,  has 
been  the  joint  work  of  Fern  Fenwick,  Fillmore 
Flagg,  Gertrude  and  George  Gerrish.  In  striving 
for  the  best  results,  this  quartet  of  co-operative 
educators,  have  been  ambitious  to  perfect  a  system, 
which  would  satisfy  the  demand  for  a  natural,  har 
monious  unfoldment  of  the  well-born  babies,  which 
were  to  represent  the  highest  product  of  Solaris 
Farm. 

The  success  which  has  attended  the  practical 
operation  of  the  scheme,  has  made  them  very  happy. 
Towards  this  success,  Fern  Fenwick  has  been  able 
to  contribute  largely,  on  account  of  her  early  Alaska 
training,  and  her  thorough  knowledge  of  the  im 
proved  methods,  growing  out  of  the  important  dis 
coveries  made  by  Prof.  Gates. 

In  applying  the  system  to  the  class  work  of  the 
regular  schools,  the  long  experience,  trained  skill 
and  natural  aptitude  as  teachers,  of  George  and 
Gertrude  Gerrish,  has  proved  wonderfully  effective. 

By  supplementing  the  system,  with  a  very  com 
plete  course  of  manual  training  in  the  use  of  tools, 
and  in  acquiring  a  competent  knowledge  of  the  in 
dustrial  arts,  Fillmore  Flagg  has  been  equally  suc 
cessful,  in  educating  the  muscular  children,  and  in 
arming  them  most  effectively,  both  mentally  and 


346  SOLARIS  FARM. 

physically,  for  the  practical  work  of  life. 

Altogether,  the  complete  course,  results  in  an  all- 
round  development  of  brain  power,  more  than  five 
times  greater  than  that  offered  by  any  other  system. 
A  result,  which  marks  the  beginning  of  a  new  educa 
tional  era.  A  result,  which  promises  to  give  to  the 
world,  a  dominant  race  of  thinkers,  whose  ability  to 
bless  mankind,  is  to  be  so  great,  that  it  cannot  now 
be  estimated. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

AN    UNEXPECTED    VISITOR. 

IN  THE  month  of  August,  1911,  six  years  after  our 
first  introduction  to  him,  we  find  our  hero,  Pillmore 
Flagg,  seated  in  his  private  office  at  Solaris.  This 
office  was  located  in  a  building  on  the  public  square, 
near  the  store,  which  has  been  especially  designed 
and  constructed,  for  use  as  the  central  office  for  the 
general  co-operative,  farm  movement.  Here,  Fill- 
more  Flagg,  has  been  busily  engaged  for  more  than 
two  months,  in  planning  the  preliminary  work  for 
eight  new  farms.  For  the  moment,  he  seems  ab 
sorbed  in  a  dreamy  reverie.  From  this,  he  was 
sharply  aroused  by  the  entrance  of  a  messenger,  who 
announced  a  visitor.  The  visitor  proved  to  be  none 
other,  than  our  old  acquaintance,  George  Gay  lord. 
The  greetings,  exchanged  between  these  re-united 
college  chums,  were  cordial  indeed  !  In  the  conver 
sations  which  are  to  follow,  the  reader  will  find  a 
continuation  of  the  story  of  Solaris  Farm. 

"Shades  of  venus  !     How   well  you  are  looking, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  347 

Fillmore  !  I  need  not  ask  how  you  have  fared  since 
last  we  met !  One  look  at  your  face,  tells  the  whole 
story !  The  goddess  of  good  fortune,  must  have 
smiled  on  you  right  royally !  I  congratulate  you 
most  heartily !  The  fame  of  your  exploits  here  at 
Solaris,  has  reached  New  England  !  What  a  lovely 
village  you  have  made !  And  the  farm  too,  is  just 
delightful !  To  behold  it,  is  well  worth  the  price  of 
a  long  journey !  Of  course,  at  some  convenient 
time,  you  are  to  show  me  the  farm,  and  tell  me  all 
about  it." 

' '  Thank  you  George,  for  your  congratulations ; 
You  have  surmised  correctly  !  I  have  been  pros 
pered,  far  beyond  my  most  sanguine  expectations  ! 
At  the  proper  time,  I  shall  take  pleasure  in  relating 
the  whole  story  for  your  benefit.  Now,  I  am  anxious 
to  hear  something  regarding  yourself.  Tell  me,  my 
dear  fellow  !  To  what  piece  of  good  fortune,  do  I 
owe  this  unexpected  visit  ?  And,  may  I  hope,  that 
the  goddess  you  just  mentioned,  has  been  equally 
gracious  with  her  smiles  for  you !" 

"  It  is  a  long  story,  Fillmore,  and  I  can  assure  you 
it  is  not  a  pleasant  one.  It  seems  a  pity  to  mar  your 
peace  of  mind  by  relating  such  a  miserable  tale  of 
woe  !  During  the  past  five  years,  the  unkind  fates 
have  frowned  upon  me,  and  I  have  suffered  much  ! 
In  order  to  give  you  an  intelligent  reason  for  my  visit 
to  Solaris,  I  must  tell  you  of  some  good,  and  many 
bitter  things  which  have  transpired,  since  we  parted 
at  the  hotel  on  Mount  Meenahga." 

"Really  !  George,  I  am  sorry  for  your  misfor 
tunes  !  But  surmising  so  much  from  your  prepara 
tory  statement,  I  now  wish  to  know  all  that  you  can 
consistently  tell  me.  For  the  bitterness  and  suffer 
ing,  you  have  my  sympathy  in  advance." 


348  SOLARIS  FARM. 

"  Thank  you  Fillmore  !  I  knew  that  I  could  rely 
on  your  sympathy  and  friendship,  under  all  circum 
stances.  Please  pardon  any  lack  of  coherence  or 
orderly  arrangement  of  details,  in  what  I  am  about 
to  relate. 

* '  Late  in  the  month  of  November,  which  followed 
our  parting  in  the  mountains,  in  accordance  with 
previous  arrangements,  I  took  charge  of  the  church 
in  the  New  England  city,  where  my  uncle  George 
resided.  My  relations  with  the  members  of  the  con 
gregation,  proved  as  pleasant  as  could  be  desired. 
I  became  acquainted  with  Martha  Merritt,  my  uncle's 
niece  by  marriage.  She  was  a  beautiful  girl  !  Very 
winning,  sweet  and  amiable.  I  soon  became  fond 
of  her  company.  This  seemed  to  please  both  my 
uncle  and  my  mother.  I  could  see  that  they  had  set 
their  hearts  on  a  marriage  between  Martha  and 
myself. 

"About  the  middle  of  the  following  January,  act 
ing  on  a  suggestion  from  uncle  George,  I  asked 
Martha  for  her  hand  in  marriage.  After  taking  a 
whole  week  for  consideration,  she  finally  consented 
and  we  were  engaged.  Some  days  later,  I  urged  her 
to  name  an  early  day  for  our  wedding.  Very  much 
to  my  surprise,  she  said  'You  must  not  hurry  me, 
George  !  You  must  give  me  time  ! '  I  hastened  to 
assure  her  that  I  did  not  wish  to  be  inconsiderate, 
and  begged  her  to  take  another  week,  in  which  to 
fix  the  date.  During  this  time,  I  saw  very  little  of 
Martha.  In  the  brief  interviews  that  followed,  she 
was  pale  and  agitated.  At  the  end  of  the  week, 
again  her  old-time  self,  she  came  to  me  with  the 
news  that  our  wedding  day  had  been  fixed  for  the 
fifteenth  of  June,  five  months  distant.  » 

''Early  in  February,  the  clouds  of  disaster  began 


SOLARIS  FARM.  349 

to  gather.  My  mother  was  confined  to  her  bed  with 
what  proved  to  be  a  serious  illness.  After  four 
months  of  almost  constant  suffering,  which  she  bore 
with  the  patience  and  fortitude  of  a  martyr,  she  was 
borne  across  the  dark  water,  to  join  that  vast  ma 
jority,  that  silent,  mysterious,  ever  increasing  host 
of  the  buried  dead. 

' '  My  mother  was  buried  on  the  fifteenth  of  June. 
Overwhelmed  with  grief,  I  readily  assented  to  Mar 
tha's  suggestion,  that  our  wedding  should  be  post 
poned  until  the  first  of  October.  Recovering  slowly 
from  the  shock  of  my  bereavement,  I  turned  eagerly 
to  Martha,  for  loving  consolation.  I  was  horrified, 
to  find  that  her  affection  for  me  had  turned  to  ill- 
concealed  aversion  !  There  was  a  terror-stricken, 
haunted  look  in  her  eyes,  as  she  strove  in  every 
possible  way,  to  avoid  being  left  alone  with  me  even 
for  a  moment,  which  frightened  and  almost  crushed 
me  with  grief.  I  knew  that  something  dreadful, 
must  have  happened  !  She  was  so  pitiful  to  behold, 
that  I  could  not  be  angry  or  jealous  !  But,  I  re 
solved  to  know  the  truth.  At  the  first  opportunity, 
I  demanded  an  explanation.  Bursting  into  tears,  she 
to.ld  me  the  story  of  her  bitter  experience. 

"Falling  on  her  knees  beside  my  chair,  Martha 
implored  me  to  be  merciful.  'George, '  she  said,  '  I 
know  that  I  am  the  most  wretched,  and  the  most 
desperately  wicked  girl  on  the  face  of  the  earth! 
You  have  been  so  kind,  and  I  have  treated  you  so 
shamefully  !  How,  can  you  ever  forgive  me  ?  The 
only  reparation  that  I  can  now  make,  is  to  tell  you 
the  whole  truth,  without  reservation.  Ten  months 
before  I  saw  you,  while  I  was  at  school  near  Boston, 
I  met  Phillip  Plato.  The  fates  would  have  it,  that 
we  should  fall  desperately  in  love  with  each  other, 


350  SOLARIS  FARM. 

at  our  first  meeting.  In  a  short  time  we  were  en 
gaged.  In  entering  into  this  engagement,  I  did  so 
without  the  knowledge  of  my  uncle,  or  any  friend. 
I  did  not  stop  for  a  moment,  to  consider  my  duty  to 
uncle  George,  who  had  always  been  so  good  to  me. 
I  could  think  of  no  one  but  Phillip,  and  of  my  love 
for  him.  In  the  delirium  of  love's  first  dream,  the 
weeks  passed  as  days  !  Alas  !  The  dream  was  pass 
ing  brief !  Somehow,  Phillip's  parents  became  aware 
of  our  engagement.  They  were  very  wealthy,  and 
exceedingly  ambitious  to  have  Phillip  marry  more 
wealth.  Angry  with  him,  they  came  to  me  and 
cruelly  declared,  that  they  would  never  allow  him  to 
wed  such  a  fortuneless  girl !  With  look  and  gesture' 
of  scorn,  they  told  me  that  they  were  just  on  the  eve 
of  going  abroad,  taking  Phillip  for  two  years  of 
travel,  in  which  they  should  strive  to  cure  him  com 
pletely  of  his  insane  infatuation.  This,  then  was 
the  end  of  my  romance.  My  cruelly  wounded  pride, 
rose  up  in  rebellion.  I  was  furious !  I  returned 
scorn  for  scorn !  I  bade  them  begone ! 

"  'I  returned  to  my  uncle's  home, my  heart  hot  with 
the  indignation  of  an  outraged  pride,  and  filled  with 
a  determination,  to  show  to  the  world  no  sign,  but  to 
use  all  my  strength  of  will,  to  cast  Phillip  out  of  my 
life ;  to  utterly  forget  him  and  his  selfish,  greedy, 
heartless  parents.  When  you  came,  George,  I  was 
more  anxious  than  ever  before,  to  please  my  uncle 
in  every  possible  way.  I  foolishly  imagined,  that 
in  encouraging  your  attentions  as  a  lover,  I  was 
helping  myself,  to  forget  my  love  for  Phillip.  Oh  ! 
What  a  terrible,  cruel  mistake  !  How  terrible,  how 
cruel,  I  was  soon  to  realize.  You  will  remember, 
George,  how  strangely  I  behaved  at  that  interview, 
in  which  you  asked  me  to  fix  the  day  for  our  wedding. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  351 

Let  me  explain.  A  few  hours  previous,  while  I  was 
lost  in  one  of  my  occasional  fits  of  melancholy  mop 
ing,  the  voice  of  Phillip  came  tp  my  ears  with 
startling  distinctness.  The  voice  said  Martha,  you 
must  remain  true  to  me  !  I  love  you  as  devotedly 
as  ever  !  I  am  determined,  never  to  give  you  up  ! 
I  am  coming  home  to  wed  you  !  I  am  surely  com 
ing  !  Wait  for  me  !  These  words  kept  ringing  in 
my  ears,  like  the  tolling  of  a  funeral  bell.  They 
thrilled  me  through  and  through  !  The  barriers  of 
my  pride  gave  way.  The  returning  tide  of  my  love 
for  Phillip,  swept  in  upon  me  with  such  force,  that 
my  heart  almost  ceased  to  beat !  I  was  faint,  deadly 
faint !  When  I  recovered  consciousness  and  after 
wards,  at  our  interview,  I  was  absolutely  wretched  ! 
Your  request,  added  to  my  anguish.  I  was  power 
less  to  answer,  I  could  only  beg  for  more  time.  All 
through  that  dreadful  week,  I  strove  to  convince 
myself  that  my  ears  had  deceived  me,  that  the  voice 
was  not  real,  only  a  phasma,  a  hallucination,  born 
of  my  fits  of  melancholy.  Unfortunately,  I  finally 
succeeded ! 

"  'Now,  George,  you  shall  hear  the  sequel,  the 
climax  of  my  wretchedness.  The  day  before  your 
mother  died,  I  received  a  long  letter  from  Phillip. 
It  was  written  at  Rome.  Every  line  of  that  letter, 
was  eloquent  with  Phillip's  steadfast  devotion,  and 
love  for  me.  In  brief,  a  complete  verification  of 
what  the  warning  voice  had  told  me.  His  parents 
had  relented.  He  was  coming  home  to  make  me  his 
bride.  He  had  planned  to  arrive  at  Boston,  in  time 
to  celebrate  the  New  Year.  He  spoke  of  a  long  let 
ter,  which  he  had  written  to  me,  just  on  +he  eve  of 
his  going  abroad.  In  that  letter  he  had  assured  me 
of  his  undying  love,  of  his  determination  never  to 


352  SOLARIS  FARM. 

give  me  up.  In  closing,  he  had  begged  me  to  wait 
for  him,  to  remain  true  to  him.  He  had  repeated 
its  contents,  because  he  had  been  constantly  haunted 
with  the  idea  that  the  letter  in  question,  had  failed 
to  reach  me.  And  so  it  had. 

' ' '  This,  George,  is  the  summing  up  of  my  misery  ! 
It  has  filled  my  heart  with  the  anguish  of  despair ! 
I  can  never  love  anyone  but  Phillip  !  I  cannot 
marry  you,  George  !  I  cannot  !  It  would  be  an  un 
pardonable  sin  against  you,  against  my  own  soul ! 
What  shall  I  do  ?  What  can  I  do  ?  What  atone 
ment  can  I  ever  make,  for  the  shame,  the  humili 
ation,  the  suffering,  which  I  have  brought  into  your 
life  ? ' 

"In  this  brief  sketch,  Fillmore,  you  have  the  sub 
stance  of  Martha's  sad  story.  I  believe  it  was  abso 
lutely  true.  I  was  deeply  moved,  by  her  abject 
misery  and  humiliation.  A  great  wave  of  tender 
sympathy,  swelled  in  my  heart ;  blotting  out  all 
thoughts  of  self.  I  gave  her  back  her  engagement, 
and  bade  her  go  free;  free  to  marry  whomsoever 
her  heart  had  chosen  ;  assured  of  my  forgiveness, 
and  of  my  wish  for  her  future  happiness.  I  need 
not  repeat  her  grateful  thanks.  From  this  time  for 
ward,  our  lives  were  widely  separated. 

"During  the  long  tedious  months  that  followed,  I 
was  going  through  a  bitter,  humiliating  experience. 
I  strove  by  every  effort  to  so  interest  myself  in  my 
church  work,  that  I  might  forget  my  griefs  and  my 
disappointments.  In  this,  I  failed  utterly.  I  found 
to  my  amazement,  that  I  did  not  possess  a  thorough 
belief  or  confidence,  in  the  efficacy  of  the  atonement, 
the  very  ground  work  of  the  entire  scheme  of  Christ 
ian  salvation.  Without  this  belief,  I  could  not  hope 
to  do  effective  work  in  the  ministry.  No  doubt,  this 


SOLARIS  FARM.  353 

was  the  cause  of  my  lack  of  interest  in  my  pastoral 
duties ;  the  one  thing,  during  this  time  of  trials, 
which  most  disturbed  my  mental  equilibrium,  and 
added  to  the  intensity  of  my  sufferings.  My  growing 
antipathy  towards  all  kinds  of  church  work,  daily 
increased  the  mental  tension,  caused  by  anxious 
seasons  of  watching,  praying,  and  fighting,  against 
the  farther  dominancy  of  this  monstrous  antipathy. 
All  opposing  efforts  proved  useless.  With  each  suc 
ceeding  week,  my  Sunday  services  became  more 
burdensome,  more  perfunctory,  more  unsatisfactory, 
more  self-accusing.  At  last,  in  self  defense,  the 
church  trustees  proposed  my  taking  a  year's  vaca 
tion,  for  recuperation. 

"This  welcome  respite,  I  gladly  accepted.  My 
vacation,  is  now  nearly  finished.  I  cannot  go  back 
to  my  church.  I  do  not  wish  to  go.  I  realize,  that 
I  am  wholly  unfitted  for  its  duties.  I  feel,  that  I 
have  made  life  a  failure  !  In  fact,  Fillmore,  you  see 
before  you  in  your  friend  George  Gay  lord,  a  man  who 
is  aimlessly  drifting  on  the  sea  of  life,  like  a  ship 
without  a  rudder.  A  man  not  yet  thirty,  without  a 
home,  without  ambition,  hope  or  purpose  !  Possibly, 
I  may  be  in  the  clutches  of  some  approaching  attack 
of  nervous  prostration,  I  hope  not,  I  am  sure ! 

'  'You  must  pardon  my  prolixity,  Fillmore.  I  will 
now  give  you  the  reason  for  my  present  visit  to  Sol 
aris.  After  my  mother  became  very  ill,  some  weeks 
before  her  death,  she  received  a  letter  from  Caroline 
Houghton,  a  life  long  friend,  an  old  schoolmate.  At 
that  time,  Mrs.  Houghton  was  residing  in  a  small 
town  near  Denver,  Colorado.  She  was  a  widow  with 
scant  means  of  support;  with  only  one  child,  a 
daughter.  Mrs.  Houghton,  in  her  letter,  said:  'I 
am  dying  among  strangers  !  I  am  leaving  my  dar- 
12 


354  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ling  daughter  alone  in  the  world,  without  money, 
without  relatives  ;  simply  in  charge  of  recently  ac 
quired  friends.  As  a  last  request,  I  beg  you,  after  I 
am  gone  to  exercise  a  protecting  care  over  my 
orphaned  child ! ' 

' '  This  letter  worried  my  mother  greatly.  I  think 
if  she  had  been  well,  she  would  have  hurried  to  Mrs. 
Houghton's  bedside.  After  some  delay,  she  finally 
turned  the  letter  over  to  me  to  answer.  Just  at  that 
time,  my  mind  was  wholly  preoccupied  with  prepara 
tions  for  my  fast  approaching  wedding  day ;  and  also, 
with  the  adjustment  of  a  number  of  important  church 
matters,  which  demanded  my  immediate  attention. 
Without  taking  time  to  read  the  letter,  without  re 
alizing  its  importance,  or  its  urgency;  I  mechan 
ically  placed  it  in  my  desk,  thinking  meanwhile,  that 
when  the  time  came  in  which  I  could  pen  a  reply,  I 
would  then  confer  with  mother  for  further  instruc 
tions.  Unfortunately,  the  letter  became  misplaced 
and  all  memory  of  its  existence,  passed  out  of  my 
mind ! 

"One  month  ago,  while  busily  engaged  in  assort 
ing  and  rearranging  a  confusing  mass  of  papers,  I 
found  the  lost  letter.  After  reading  it  carefully,  I 
became  conscience-smitten,  as  I  thought  what  seri 
ous  results  might  have  followed  my  criminal  negli 
gence.  I  then  commenced  a  search  for  this  young 
lady,  which  has  finally  lead  me  to  Solaris.  I  have 
traced  her  here,  as  a  member  of  your  colony.  Her 
name  is  Honora  Eloise  Hough  ton.  Do  you  know  her, 
Pillmore  !  Is  she  here  ?  " 

' '  Make  yourself  perfectly  easy,  friend  Gaylord  ! 
She  is  here  !  She  is  all  right !  Miss  Houghton 
does  not  need  your  protecting  care,  or  the  protecting 
care  of  anvone.  She  is  abundantly  able  to  take 


SOLARIS  FARM.  355 

good  care  of  herself  and  of  plenty  of  other  people 
besides  !  She  can  dissipate  your  troubles  in  a  jiffy  ! 
She  can  give  you  something  to  think  of,  which  will 
not  fail  to  hold  your  close  attention.  She  can  soon 
find  a  work  for  you,  in  which  you  will  be  interested 
in  spite  of  yourself  !  In  fact  George,  Honora  Eloise 
Houghton,  is  one  of  the  brightest,  most  independent, 
capable,  self-poised,  self-supporting  young  women 
at  Solaris  !  If  she  should  kindly  consent  to  take 
you  und°r  the  brooding  care  of  her  protecting  wing, 
in  one  month's  time  you  would  not  know  yourself, 
you  would  be  transformed  into  a  new  man !  But, 
Miss  Houghton  is  a  very  busy  woman.  One  of  the 
most  useful  on  the  farm  !  Just  at  present,  she  is 
the  leading  director  of  the  nursery  and  kindergarten 
school  ;  the  principal  female  teacher,  in  the  gym 
nasium  ;  the  president  of  the  dancing  club ;  the 
secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  physiology  club  ;  and 
vice-president  of  the  botany,  chemistry  and  history 
clubs.  After  faithfully  performing  the  duties  be 
longing  to  these  offices,  she  still  finds  time  to  do  a 
great  amount  of  scientific  research  and  reading  ;  so 
much,  that  last  year,  she  easily  carried  off  the  prize, 
which  was  awarded  to  the  best  qualified,  scientific 
student  among  the  young  ladies  at  Solaris." 

' '  Stop,  Fillmore  !  You  grieve  and  astonish  me  ! 
You  surely  must  be  jesting,  in  dishing  up  this  long 
rigmarole,  about  Miss  Houghton's  accomplishments  ! 
After  what  I  have  told  you,  I  cannot  conceive  how 
you  can  fail  to  understand,  that  I  am  not  in  a  mood 
for  jesting.  As  for  the  girl,  I  very  much  desire  to 
meet  her,  that  I  may  have  an  opportunity  to  express 
the  regrets  and  apologies  for  my  unfortunate  ne 
glect  of  her  mother's  letter,  to  which  she  is  so  just 
ly  entitled.  This  painful  duty  once  performed,  my 


356  SOLARIS  FARM. 

interest  in  Miss  Houghton  will  cease. " 

"I  assure  you,  George,  I  am  not  jesting!  I  am 
very  much  in  earnest !  I  think  I  understand  your 
case  thoroughly.  I  know  that  you  do  not  realize  the 
seriousness  of  that  paralyzing,  apathetic  condition, 
into  which  you  have  fallen.  I  do  not  think  you  need 
condolence,  or  any  form  of  mild  sympathetic  treat 
ment.  I  am  sure  you  do  need  very  much,  to  be 
aroused  by  new  associations,  scenes,  friends  and  ac 
quaintances  ;  strong  magnetic  people,  with  ideas  so 
radical,  so  startling,  that  by  one  quick  wrench,  your 
line  of  thought  may  be  diverted  into  some  entirely 
new  channel.  If  therefore,  in  my  talk  to  you  about 
Miss  Houghton,  I  have  succeeded  in  arousing  your 
indignation,  in  the  slightest  degree,  I  shall  be  en 
couraged  by  knowing  that  my  efforts  for  your  good, 
have  been  made  in  the  right  direction. " 

' '  Pardon  me,  Fillmore  !  I  fear  I  have  been  hasty ! 
And,  that  I  have  entirely  misjudged  your  motive  !  I 
am  now  in  a  much  better  frame  of  mind,  to  listen 
attentively  to  what  you  have  to  say." 

"That  sounds  much  more  reasonable,  George.  I 
will  now  return  to  my  description  of  Miss  Houghton, 
which  was  broken  off  by  your  interruption.  For  the 
reasons  I  have  just  stated,  I  believe  that  Miss 
Houghton,  is  the  one  individual  in  a  thousand,  whose 
acquaintance  just  at  present,  would  prove  most  bene 
ficial  for  you.  Of  course  you  have  not  seen  her,  you 
do  not  know  her ;  therefore,  you  cannot  appreciate 
the  peculiar  charm  of  her  magnetic  presence,  or  the 
force  and  dignity  of  her  attractive  character.  For 
this  reason,  a  personal  description,  will  fail  to  give 
you  an  adequate  idea  of  the  noble  type  of  womanhood 
which  she  represents. 

"However,  George,  after  these  preliminary   re- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  357 

marks,  I  hasten  to  assure  you,  that  as  a  woman, 
Honora  Eloise  Houghton,  is  a  goodly  person  to  be 
hold.  One  inch  less  than  six  feet  in  height,  straight 
as  an  arrow,  broad  of  shoulder,  and  round  of  limb, 
swift  of  hand  and  foot,  lithe  and  willowy  in  every 
motion,  her  commanding  figure  possesses  the  grace 
and  beauty,  of  a  Venus  and  a  Diana  combined.  Her 
large,  full,  well  turned  neck  and  throat,  fittingly 
supports  a  symmetrical,  well  poised  head,  of  the 
same  noble  proportions.  A  long,  thick,  luxuriant 
growth  of  golden  hair,  brilliant  with  changing  hues 
of  a  coppery  tinge,  seemingly  so  surcharged  with  elec 
tro-magnetic  force,  as  to  form  a  halo  of  sunshine 
around  both  face  and  head,  is  her  chief  personal 
adornment.  Her  large,  oval  face,  well  formed  mouth, 
strong  white  teeth,  firm  chin,  finely  arched,  strongly 
defined  brows,  broad,  smooth  forehead,  and  straight 
grecian  nose ;  all  denote  a  character  of  marked  type 
and  unusual  force.  Full,  clear,  gray  eyes,  set  well 
apart,  beautifully  and  mirthfully  expressive,  to 
gether,  with  a  bright,  ruddy  complexion,  are  both 
indicative  of  Miss  Houghton's  perfect  health  and 
strong,  vital,  nervous-sanguine  temperament.  With 
this  temperament  and  such  a  magnificent  physique, 
reinforced  by  wonderful  psychic  powers,  she  is  an 
ideal  healing  medium.  The  very  personification  of 
health  !  Such  is  the  potency  of  her  magnetic  force, 
that  among  the  people  of  Solaris,  cures  performed 
by  the  simple  process  of  laying  on  of  hands,  have 
made  her  the  marvel  of  the  village ;  they  have  won 
for  her  the  confidence,  respect,  admiration  and  love, 
of  every  member  of  the  colony;  man,  woman  or  child. 
1  'In  conclusion,  George,  I  may  say  with  pride, 
that  Miss  Houghton  represents  one  of  the  noblest  of 
women,  which  may  be  discovered,  evolved  or  grown 


358  SOLARIS  FARM. 

by  the  co-operative  farm.  As  an  exponent  of  what 
the  movement  can  do  for  woman,  she  is  a  shining 
example,  of  which  our  people  may  well  be  proud ! 

''Try  to  be  patient  with  me,  George  !  I  have  de 
scribed  this  young  lady,  at  such  length,  in  order 
that  you  may  meet  her  without  prejudice.  We  will 
now  go  in  search  of  Miss  Houghton,  for  an  inter 
view.  After  introducing  you,  I  will  return  here. 
When  the  interview  is  at  an  end,  I  will  have  my 
light,  road  mobile  ready,  and  we  will  t<ike  a  spin 
around  the  farm.  Afterwards,  if  there  should  be 
time,  we  will  take  a  run  over  to  Fenwick,  ten  miles 
away." 

"That  arrangement  will  suit  me  very  well,  Fill- 
more  !  I  am  now  quite  curious  to  meet  Miss  Hough- 
ton.  After  my  interview  with  her  is  concluded,  I 
shall  be  delighted  to  accompany  you  on  a  mobile  ex 
cursion  over  the  farm.  I  have  in  mind  a  host  of 
questions,  which  I  wish  to  ask  ;  after  my  tour  of  in 
spection,  I  am  sure  I  can  frame  them  more  intelli 
gently." 

Four  days  later,  we  find  George  Gaylord,  again 
seated  in  the  office  with  Fillmore  Flagg.  They  are 
speaking  of  things  which  have  transpired,  during 
the  interval  named. 

"You  are  looking  decidedly  better,  to-day,  George  ! 
I  congratulate  you  !  After  the  fright  you  gave  me, 
while  at  the  club  dance,  that  evening  after  your  ar 
rival  at  Solaris,  I  thought  you  were  ticketed  for  a 
long* serious  illness.' 

"Really, Fillmore,  I  have  Miss  Houghton  to  thank 
for  being  able  to  again  walk  and  talk  with  some  de 
gree  of  steadiness  !  She  is  truly,  the  most  mar 
velous  woman,  that  I  have  ever  met !  There  seems 
to  be  a  healing  power  in  the  very  touch  of  her  gar- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  359 

ments  !  I  feel  quite  sure,  that  she  has  saved  my 
life.  I  ought  to  apologize  to  the  members  of  tho 
dancing  club,  for  the  very  awkward  sensation, which 
must  have  followed  my  unfortunate  collapse ;  that 
sudden  attack  of  giddiness  and  loss  of  consciousness. 
Miss  Houghton  tells  me,  that  the  attack  lasted  over 
an  hour,  after  I  had  been  placed  on  a  cot  in  the 
hospital.  Were  you  there,  Fillmore  ?  " 

"What  a  question,  George  !  Of  course  I  was 
there  !  That  one  hour,  seemed  three  to  me.  Know 
ing  something  of  your  critical  condition,  I  was  blam 
ing  myself,  for  having  foolishly  attempted  to  crowd 
so  much  into  your  first  day's  experience  at  Solaris. 
However,  Miss  Houghton  assured  me,  that  I  need 
not  be  alarmed  over  the  trance-like  condition,  into 
which  you  had  fallen.  She  seemed  to  understand 
your  case  from  the  first,  and  declared  that  she  could 
cure  you  with  a  few  days  treatment.  She  further 
stated  for  my  benefit,  that  I  was  in  no  wise  respon 
sible  for  the  attack  of  vertigo,  which  in  your  con 
dition,  was  liable  to  occur  at  any  time. 

' '  So  far  as  the  dancing  club  people  are  concerned, 
no  apologies  on  your  part  are  needed.  They  under 
stand  the  circumstances,  and  wish  me  to  assure  you, 
that  they  will  rejoice  with  you  over  your  speedy  re 
covery.  It  seems,  George,  that  your  physician  pre 
scribes  plenty  of  fresh  air  and  sunshine  for  you, 
during  the  next  few  days.  Do  you  think  you  are 
strong  enough  to-day,  for  another  mobile  excursion 
over  the  farm  ?  " 

"Yes  Fillmore,  quite  strong  enough,  provided  the 
excursion  is  not  too  long.  To-morrow,  if  the  weath 
er  should  be  fine,  I  hope  we  may  be  able  to  take  that 
trip  to  Fenwick,  which  you  spoke  of  on  the  after 
noon  of  my  arrival.  The  more  I  see  of  the  farm, 


360  SOLARIS  FARM. 

the  more  I  am  interested  and  delighted.  In  a  very 
short  time,  I  believe  I  might  become  an  enthusiast 
on  the  agricultural  question.  Hitherto,  I  have  had 
an  unexpressed  antipathy,  towards  farm  work. 

"Strongly  impressed  with  the  idea,  that  a  farm 
life  must  necessarily,  be  as  dull  as  ditch  water ;  I 
find  Solaris  a  revelation,  which  has  opened  my  eyes 
and  scattered  my  foolish  prejudices  to  the  four  winds. 
At  every  turn,  some  new  surprise  awaits  me.  My 
typical  farmer,  with  his  shock  of  untrimmed  hair 
and  beard,  his  stooping  shoulders,  his  shambling, 
plow-following  gait,  his  great  cow-hide  boots,  his 
coarse,  soiled,  slouchy,  ill-fitting  blouse  and  over 
alls,  his  grimy  hands,  his  ill -at- ease,  uncultured 
manners,  and  his  born-tired  expression  of  counten 
ance,  I  cannot  find.  In  his  place,  much  to  my  as 
tonishment,  I  do  find  a  splendid  people,  in  the  prime 
of  life,  lithe,  active  and  energetic,  in  the  possession 
of  a  superabundance  of  vitality,  which  gives  them 
the  graceful  air  of  having  grown  to  a  perfect  matur 
ity,  on  the  sunny  side  of  life.  What  does  it  mean  ? 
Everywhere,  I  am  politely  greeted,  by  dignified, 
graceful,  self-poised,  rosy-cheeked,  bright-eyed,  hap 
py,  well-dressed,  educated,  refined  and  polished  men 
and  women.  Can  it  be  possible,  that  they  are  farm 
laborers  ?  " 

"Every  one,  friend  Gay  lord  !  It  is  to  rightly  or 
ganized  farm  labor,  properly  supplemented  by  ap 
propriate  machinery,  that  these  people  owe  the  su 
perior  condition  in  which  you  find  them." 

"You  have  surely  created  a  new  era  in  farming, 
Fillmore  !  Do  you  think  a  general  introduction  of 
co-operative  farming,  will  produce  equally  success 
ful  results  elsewhere  ?  " 

"Much  better  and  more  satisfactory,  George  !    Co- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  361 

operative  farming,  even  here  at  Solaris,  has  as  yet 
scarcely  passed  the  threshold  of  the  experimental 
stage.  Every  new  farm,  will  profit  by  the  errors 
and  successes  of  those  previously  established.  Each 
one  will  add  to  the  strength  and  working  capacity 
of  the  mass.  This  improvement  will  steadily  in 
crease,  until  the  children  born  under  the  new  sys 
tem,  become  its  principal  working  factors.  When 
that  time  arrives,  the  influence  of  the  born  and  bred 
agriculturalists,  will  have  grown  so  strong,  socially 
and  politically,  that  a  new  impetus  will  be  given  to 
the  movement,  by  the  favorable  legislation  which 
they  can  then  command. 

"When  we  consider  the  future  of  the  co-operative 
farm,  as  a  working  factor  for  good,  in  the  affairs  of 
the  Republic ;  we  can  then  appreciate  the  great  im 
portance  of  the  movement.  Stirpiculture,  wedded 
to  agriculture,  ushers  in  a  new  era  for  the  birth  and 
education  of  an  epoch-making  race  of  dominant 
thinkers,  so  well  born,  so  self -poised,  so  harmon 
iously  developed,  physically,  intellectually,  and  spirit 
ually,  that  without  effort,  they  are  naturally  chosen 
by  the  masses,  as  social  and  political  leaders." 

"What  an  enthusiastic  dreamer  you  are,  Fillmore  ! 
The  picture  of  the  future  of  the  movement,  which 
you  have  so  graphically  drawn,  seems  too  good  to 
be  true  !  My  brain  is  in  a  whirl  trying  to  follow 
you  !  Let  us  now  prepare  for  that  promised  ride. " 


362  SOLARIS   FAKM. 

CHAPTER  XL. 

THE  COMING  ERA  OF  GOOD  ROADS. 

"SINCE  our  mobile  excursion  to  the  farm  village 
of  Penwick,  I  have  been  haunted  by  the  beauty, 
smoothness,  utility  and  durability,  of  the  magnificent 
highway,  which  now  connects  the  two  villages.  I 
am  more  than  ever  impressed  with  the  power  of  the 
co-  operative  movement,  to  effect  a  revolution  in  all 
industrial  methods ;  especially,  in  travel  and  the 
transportation  of  farm  products.  Tell  me,  Pillmore  ! 
Do  you  think  this  road-building  fever,  will  continue 
to  spread  with  the  growth  of  the  movement  ?  " 

"Yes,  George,  with  every  new  road,  will  come  an 
a  Ided  impetus  to  the  movement,  which  will  insure  a 
s toady  progress.  The  importance  of  good  roads  as 
a  source  of  wealth,  and  a  mark  of  civilization,  is  just 
beginning  to  be  understood  by  agricultural  people, 
and  by  rural  populations  generally.  Oppressed  on 
every  hand  by  the  universal  extortion  of  railroad 
monopoly,  they  are  slowly  awakening  to  a  realization 
of  the  fact,  that  the  question  of  cheap  transportation, 
is  for  them,  the  one,  overshadowing  question,  which 
demands  immediate  attention. 

"As  an  object  lesson  on  the  subject  of  good  roads, 
the  introduction,  and  constantly  increasing  use,  of 
bicycles,  motor  cycles,  motor  freight  wagons,  auto 
mobiles,  electro  mobiles,  locomobiles,  and  the  entire 
class  of  vehicles  equipped  with  rubber  tires,  has 
aroused  a  widespread  interest,  which  is  prophetic  of 
groat  results.  Acting  as  a  strong  reinforcement  to 
this  educational  work,  the  co-operative  farm,  with 
the  advantage  of  its  village  organization,  represent- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  363 

ing  in  the  public  mind,  such  an  attractive  combina 
tion  of  agricultural,  industrial  and  social  life;  will 
by  the  force  of  example,  give  an  additional  impetus 
to  the  systematic  construction  of  broad,  permanent 
highways  ;  that  shall  prove  a  source  of  pride,  to  the 
community  through  which  they  pass ;  roads,  that 
shall  last  for  centuries. 

"Reacting  favorably,  in  broadening  the  mission 
of  the  co-operative  farm- village,  with  its  promise  of 
permanent  homes,  and  employment  for  the  unem 
ployed,  and  the  homeless  ;  the  continuous  construc 
tion  of  these  free  avenues  of  travel  and  transporta 
tion,  will  soon  affect  the  status  of  all  rural  populations, 
by  vastly  increasing  their  wealth  and  power.  For 
them,  the  vexed  problem  of  transportation,  will  be 
solved.  They  will  discover  by  actual  experience, 
that  these  wide,  durable  wagon  roads,  will  connect 
them  with  distant  centers  of  traffic,  and  serve  them 
better  and  more  honestly,  than  steam  railroads ; 
that  in  cost  of  construction  and  repair,  they  are 
much  cheaper ;  that  when  constructed,  they  belong 
to  the  people  as  absolutely,  free  highways  ;  that  no 
greedy  corporation,  can  control  them  ;  that  no  threat 
ening,  irritating,  lawless  force,  of  Pinkerton's  armed 
thugs,  is  required  to  protect  them  ;  and  finally,  that 
they  offer  every  inducement  to  unfettered  genius,  to 
invent  and  to  freely  exploit,  better  and  cheaper 
vehicles. 

"As  one  grand  result  of  this  combined  educational 
work,  rural  life  will  become  exceedingly  desirable 
and  charming.  The  great  city,  will  lose  its  attract 
ive  force.  '  The  tide  of  migration,  will  flow  back  to 
the  pure  air,  invigorating  sunshine,  blue  sky,  and 
the  verdure-clad  hills  of  the  country.  In  a  general 
way,  we  may  predict,  that  a  few  years  hence,  every- 


364  SOLARIS  FARM. 

where  throughout  this  broad  land,  we  shall  find  pic 
turesque,  prosperous,  well  populated  villages.  As 
the  minor  centers  of  education,  art-culture,  refine 
ment,  amusement,  progressive  race-culture,  scientific 
agriculture,  esthetic,  social  and  co-operative  life  ; 
they  will  be  embroidered,  like  a  va^t  net-work  of 
shining  pearls,  on  a  perfect  system  of  broad,  smooth, 
highways.  In  their  construction,  ornamentation  and 
maintenance,  these  good  roads  will  utilize  and  ex 
press,  the  pride,  energy  and  best  inventive  genius, 
of  the  village  centers  thus  linked  together.  As  a  re 
sult,  the  Republic  will  be  gridironed  with  a  superb 
system  of  free  highways,  more  permanent,  more 
perfect,  and  more  beautiful,  than  those  old,  historic, 
Roman  roads,  which  even  now  are  existing  monu 
ments  to  the  solid  character  of  Roman  civilization. 

' '  This  imperial  road  system  will  be  complete,  when 
the  co-operative  farm  has  reached  every  township  in 
the  union.  Then,  we  may  calculate  the  results, 
which  are  to  follow.  Broad,  tree- shaded,  park-lined, 
flower-bordered  boulevards,  will  connect  New  York 
with  San  Francisco ;  Galveston  with  Saint  Paul ; 
Portland,  Maine,  with  Portland,  Oregon  ;  Los  Ange 
les  with  Saint  Louis  ;  Boston  with  Buffalo,  Phila 
delphia,  and  Baltimore  with  Jacksonville,  Florida ; 
New  Orleans  with  Cincinnati  and  Chicago  ;  the  won 
ders  of  Yellowstone  Park,  with  the  crags  and  glens 
of  the  White  Mountains,  Niagara  Falls,  with  the 
Grand  Canon  of  the  Colorado ;  the  orange  groves  of 
Florida  and  California,  with  the  picturesque,  cool, 
invigorating,  health  resorts  of  Lake  Superior ;  the 
wheat  fields  of  the  great  Northwest,  with  the  coal 
mines  of  Pennsylvania ;  Washington,  the  nation's 
capital,  with  every  seaside  resort,  every  mountain 
view,  every  beautiful  city,  every  healing  spring, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  365 

and  every  hamlet  and  village  of  the  Republic. 

1  'Pulsing  with  a  new  tide  of  social  and  industrial 
life,  flowing  through  the  arteries  of  this  unequaled 
system  of  great  highways  ;  all  of  these  places,  both 
great  and  small,  will  become  more  closely  bound  to 
gether,  by  the  links  of  a  new  social  order  ;  repre 
senting  the  beginning  of  a  higher  civilization.  Then, 
these  beautiful  highways,  will  be  glorified  and  ap 
preciated  by  mankind,  as  the  monumental  work  of 
one,  broad  system,  of  co-operative  farm  villages. 
Then,  these  villages,  which  have  made  such  a  system 
possible,  may  collectively  claim  the  proud  distinc 
tion,  of  being  known  as  the  Nation's  Committee  on 
Good  Roads." 

' '  Excellent !  Most  excellent !  Fillmore.  Your 
prophetic  vision,  with  the  vastness  and  the  brilliancy 
of  its  sweeping  scope,  fairly  takes  my  breath  !  Yet, 
I  must  confess,  that  judging  from  the  masterly 
system  of  road-building  inaugurated  by  Solaris  and 
Fenwick,  the  evolutionary  results  which  you  so  con 
fidently  predict,  are  both  reasonable  and  logical. 
What  additional  results,  do  you  claim  for  the  sys 
tem?" 

"At  this  time,  George,  neither  tongue  nor  pen, 
may  attempt  to  describe  the  marvelous  results  which 
will  follow  the  introduction  of  an  era  of  good  roads. 
In  a  brief  way,  I  will  try  to  give  a  few  of  the  most 
important.  In  the  matter  of  travel  and  transporta 
tion,  these  free  highways,  -will  annually,  save  mil 
lions  of  dollars  to  citizens  of  the  Republic,  by  en 
abling  them  to  escape  from  the  clutches  of  the  largest 
and  most  powerful  of  all  monopolies ;  the  railway 
monopoly.  A  monopoly,  that  for  many  years,  has 
held  the  public  by  the  throat ;  exacting  a  tariff  so 
exorbitant,  as  to  be  almost  prohibitory.  A  monopo- 


366  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ly,  which  has  had  the  amazing  gall  to  pose  as  the 
farmer's  especial  benefactor.  A  monopoly,  that  while 
so  posing,  has  robbed  the  country  of  one-half  its 
wealth,  by  transferring  the  same  to  cities.  A  mo 
nopoly,  that  in  the  name  of  good  business,  has  had 
the  stupidity  to  decree  through  its  tariff  schedule, 
that  miles  and  miles  of  empty  freight  cars,  shall 
daily,  throughout  the  land,  roll  past  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  farms,  where  countless  tons  of  heavy 
freight,  in  the  way  of  fresh  vegetables,  lie  rotting  for 
the  want  of  a  market.  A  monopoly,  that  never  neg 
lects  an  opportunity  for  fleecing  the  public.  A  mo 
nopoly,  so  unscrupulous,  that  for  the  pork  trust,  it 
will  haul  a  hog  across  the  continent  for  ninety  cents; 
while  for  indifferent  service,  it  dares  to  charge  the 
people,  from  two  and  one-half,  to  five  cents  per  mile. 
"And  yet,  George,  just  think  of  it !  In  the  begin 
ning,  this  monopoly  was  chartered  to  serve  the  people 
who  granted  the  franchise.  A  monopoly,  now  grown  so 
bold,  that  when  the  public  protests  that  the  franchise 
is  violated,  because  the  interests  of  the  people  are 
no  longer  served ;  a  Vanderbilt  railroad  king,  insol 
ently  replies  :  '  The  public  be  damned  ! '  A  monopoly 
that  has  killed  all  healthy  competition,  by  organizing 
all  railroads  into  one  giant  pool;  thereby  creating 
the  mother  of  trusts,  controlling  a  corruption  fund  of 
enormous  magnitude.  A  monopolistic  trust,  grown 
so  rich  and  powerful,  as  to  be  beyond  the  reach  of 
law;  boldly  corrupting  courts,  buying  legislators, 
and  turning  the  administration  of  justice  into  a  farce. 
In  fact,  this  monstrous  combine,  has  become  so 
dangerous  to  every  interest  of  good  government, 
that  the  law  of  self-preservation  demands  that  it 
shall  be  speedly  wiped  out,  by  the  government 
ownership  of  all  railroads. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  367 

"We  may  now  consider  the  ways  and  means,  by 
which  our  co-operative  system  of  good  roads,  can 
control  railroad  freights,  and  finally  drive  railroads 
to  government  ownership.  Long  before  the  close  of 
the  first  half  of  the  twentieth  century,  thousands  of 
miles  of  these  fine  wagon  roads,  will  be  found  in 
every  State.  Responding  to  the  demands  of  legions 
of  voters,  who  reside  in  the  co-operative  farm  villages 
bordering  these  charming  highways  ;  a  strong  force 
of  legislators,  will  everywhere  rise  up,  as  eloquent 
advocates  of  the  good  roads  movement.  Honest  and 
faithful,  inspired  by  a  tenacity  of  purpose  which 
will  brook  no  opposition  from  railroad  lobbies ;  en 
couraged  and  strengthened,  by  an  ever  increasing 
army  of  enthusiastic  voters  behind  them,  these  tire 
less  legislators  will  not  halt,  until  the  entire  system 
of  good  roads,  so  well  begun  by  the  farm  villages, 
shall  be  taken  up,  completed,  and  perfected  by  the 
State.  Ten  years  of  such  forceful  work,  will  surely 
accomplish  the  task. 

"Then,  to  the  champions  of  the  system,  shall 
come  their  reward.  They  shall  behold,  flowing  in 
mighty  streams,  over  the  wide,  petroleum  treated, 
dustless  surfaces,  of  these  far-reaching,  absolutely 
free  highways,  the  traffic  and  travel  of  a  mighty 
Republic! 

*  'Then,  will  come  the  demonstration  of  what  Ameri 
can  genius  can  do,  toward  the  evolution  of  a  superior 
class  of  rubber  tired,  horseless  vehicles,  which  shall 
prove  the  best,  cheapest  and  most  durable,  for  pur 
poses  of  freight,  traffic,  and  travel,  on  such  a  com 
plete  system  of  fine  roads.  Th^  best  of  our  present 
types,  when  compared  with  these  twentieth  century 
road  flyers  and  freight  rollers,  will  seem  poor,  crude 
affairs.  The  irresistible  volume  of  this  swift  stream 


368  SOLARIS  FARM. 

of  the  new  travel,  and  the  new  transportation,  elo 
quent  with  the  progress  of  the  century,  will  herald 
the  coming  of  a  well-merited  doom  for  the  monopo 
listic  railroad  combines. 

"Then,  local  travel  and  traffic,  will  make  haste  to 
desert  the  iron  rails.  Railroad  freights  everywhere, 
will  fall  to  zero.  Short  railroads — branches  and 
feeders  to  main  lines — will  become  useless  and  worth 
less.  Many  of  them  will  be  sold  at  auction,  for  less 
than  the  cost  of  the  iron  in  the  road-bed. 

"Then,  shorn  of  their  ill-gotten  gains,  the  mighty 
railroad  rings  of  the  land,  will  fall  from  their  tall 
pedestals  of  pride,  where  for  years,  they  have  posed 
as  owners  of  the  earth.  With  financial  ruin  staring 
them  in  the  face,  they,  and  the  whole  brood  of 
erstwhile  railroad  kings,  will  make  urgent  haste  to 
sell  to  the  government,  at  the  bare  cost  of  construc 
tion,  such  great  through  lines  as  may  be  necessary 
to  maintain  inter-state  commerce,  and  across-the- 
continent  traffic.  Other  roads,  they  may  not  sell  at 
any  price.  A  government  for  the  people,  and  by  the 
people,  will  have  no  further  use  for  them. 

' '  Then  at  last,  the  supreme  folly  of  having  a  half- 
dozen  competing  lines,  running  side  by  side  through 
the  same  territory,  will  be  fully  demonstrated.  With 
this  demonstration,  will  come  the  opportunity,  to 
scores  of  paid  press  writers,  pessimistic  bigots,  self- 
conceited,  unprogressive  wiseacres,  who  have  so 
long  and  so  loudly  derided  the  government  owner 
ship  of  railroads,  as  the  most  suicidal  and  unbusi- 
ness  like  scheme  ever  hatched ;  to  answer  this  per 
tinent  question  :  Would  it  be  possible,  for  govern 
ment  engineers  building  public  railroads,  to  ever  be 
guilty  of  such  monumental  stupidity  ? 

"The  social  effect  of  these  good  roads,  on  the. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  369 

lives  of  all  agricultural  people,  will  prove  even  more 
important  than  the  financial  advantages  gained. 
Hitherto,  they  have  been  so  hampered  by  environ 
ments,  by  lack  of  means,  and  lack  of  leisure,  that  as 
a  class  they  have  been  unable  to  enjoy  or  to  appreciate 
the  wonderful,  the  educational,  the  broadening  and 
the  refining  effect  of  much  travel,  on  the  mind  of  the 
individual.  From  lack  of  experience,  they  do  not 
realize  that  the  sum  of  human  life  is  the  sum  of  its 
sensations,  which  are  produced  by  change  of  en 
vironment,  contact  with  a  larger  or  lesser  series  of 
natural  phenomena,  and  more  especially  with  other 
lives. 

"The  more  progressive  lessons  of  life,  are  learned 
from  example  and  not  from  precept.  Men  and 
women,  are  only  children  of  a  larger  growth,  they 
are  imitative  creatures  with  a  natural  instinct  to 
choose  other,  higher,  and  better  lives  as  models. 
Hence  the  great  value  of  travel  as  an  educator.  The 
larger  the  area  covered  by  the  traveler,  the  wider 
the  field  of  experience  and  choice.  Through  the  law 
of  action  and  reaction,  social  contact  with  a  multi 
tude  of  actors  and  thinkers,  refines  the  individual. 
A  healthy  spirit  of  emulation  is  aroused,  which  leads 
on  to  progress. 

"With  the  advent  of  a  universal  system  of  good 
roads,  cheap  travel,  and  a  dominant  combination  of 
co-operative,  industrial  and  agricultural  enterprise, 
an  extraordinary  era  of  recreation  and  travel,  will 
dawn  for  all  rural  people.  Opportunity,  leisure,  and 
means  will  be  abundant.  All  co-operative  workers, 
can  afford  to  take  an  annual  vacation  of  at  least  one 
month.  The  ownership  of  a  swift,  roomy,  durable, 
road  machine,  capable  of  making  from  twenty  to 
thirty-five  miles  an  hour,  will  be  within  the  means 


370  SOLARIS  FARM. 

of  every  family.  In  this  private  car,  the  family,  or 
a  select  party,  could  easily  and  leisurely  accomplish 
a  five  thousand  mile  tour  in  twenty  days.  Along  the 
whole  distance,  farm  villages,  from  fifteen  to  twenty 
minutes  apart,  would  offer  the  travelers,  machine  sup 
plies,  repairs,  and  excellent  hotel  accommodations, 
for  an  expense  not  in  excess  of  the  same  at  home. 
Than  this,  no  traveling  excursion  could  be  more  de 
lightful  !  For  pure  enjoyment,  a  select  party  of 
nineteenth  century  millionaires,  could  not  equal  it. 

"The  enjoyment  of  such  delightful  opportunities 
for  even  a  single  decade,  would  make  the  rank  and 
file  of  the  republic  thoroughly  acquainted,  with  the 
soil,  scenery,  forests,  lakes  and  rivers;  the  mining 
and  manufacturing  possibilities ;  the  peculiar  char 
acteristics  of  the  people,  their  local  ambitions,  politi 
cal  wants  and  future  demands,  of  every  state  and 
county  in  the  union. 

"Thus  equipped  with  this  important  knowledge, 
each  voter,  both  men  and  women  alike,  would  be  pre 
pared  at  any  time  to  vote  intelligently  and  wisely,  on 
every  question  affecting  the  welfare  of  the  republic 
as  a  whole,  or  in  part.  Elected  to  Congress,  these 
voters  would  appear  as  the  ablest,  most  patriotic, 
most  just,  and  most  incorruptible  body  of  law-makers 
ever  known.  Understanding  the  equities  of  right 
eous  dealing  between  themselves  as  fellow  citizens, 
they  would  be  prepared  to  decide  correctly  on  all 
questions  of  an  international  character,  which  might 
affect  the  interests  of  the  world  at  large.  This 
would  be  a  demonstration  of  the  rule,  as  to  the  for 
mation  of  a  true  republic.  To  make  the  entire  po 
litical  fabric  both  enduring  and  progressive,  the 
units  or  voters,  must  be  well  born  and  rightly  trained. 
Of  this  training,  travel  is  an  essential  part,  which 


SOLARIS  FARM.  371 

should  not,  which  must  not  be  overlooked. 

"As  affecting  their  social  and  intellectual  progress, 
these  years  of  travel  would  improve  all  classes  of 
agricultural  and  industrial  people,  to  a  still  higher 
degree  than  the  one  achieved  in  political  expression. 
A  general  interest  would  be  aroused  in  questions  of 
political  economy,  race  culture,  psychology,  and 
physiology;  geology,  geography  and  history,  botany, 
chemistry,  and  mineralogy;  which  later,  would  lead 
to  close  reading  and  hard  study  in  the  whole  domain 
of  scientific  research,  as  the  one  sure  method  of  in 
creasing  the  scope  of  individual  happiness.  Every 
succeeding  year  of  this  travel-training,  would  result 
in  binding  all  classes  still  more  firmly  together,  into 
one  harmonious,  homogeneous  mass.  Now  George, 
tell  me  what  you  think  of  the  good-roads  question ! 
Is  it  not  one  affecting  the  vital  interests  of  humanity 
to  a  marvelous  extent  ?  " 

"Marvelous,  Fillmore!  Most  marvelous  !  Here 
after,  you  can  count  on  me  as  an  enthusiastic  advo 
cate.  I  cannot  say  too  much  in  its  favor." 


CHAPTER  XLL 

CO-OPERATIVE    ETHICS. 

"SPEAKING  of  wages,"  said  George  Gay  lord,  "did 
I  understand  you  to  say,  that  all  of  the  co-operators 
at  Solaris  receive  the  same  pay?" 

"Yes,  George,  equal  wages  for  all  classes  of  work 
ers,  is  the  motto  at  Solaris.  Recognizing  the  soli 
darity  of  the  interests  of  society,  simple  justice  de 
mands  the  same  rate  of  pay  for  each  member  of  the 


372  SOLARIS  FARM. 

company  ;  without  regard  to  sex,  or  particular  quali 
fication." 

"It  seems  to  me,  Fillmore,  that  justice  would  de 
mand  that  each  one  should  be  paid  according  to  skill 
and  capacity.  I  cannot  understand,  how  anyone 
capable  of  being  a  foreman,  would  be  content  to 
accept,  as  a  just  equivalent  for  his  services,  a  com 
pensation  as  low  as  that  awarded  to  the  least  capa 
ble  worker  in  the  colony." 

"I  think  I  shall  be  able  to  convince  you,  George, 
that  a  correct  view  of  this  question,  is  largely  a 
matter  of  education.  You  have,  perhaps  uncon 
sciously,  voiced  the  usual  argument  against  the 
equity  of  equality,  which  is  made  by  the  champions 
of  the  competitive  system.  Our  people  have  learned 
from  experience,  that  the  co-operative  farm  move 
ment  is  a  leveling  up  process,  which  purposes  to 
raise  the  weaker  units,  to  the  condition  of  the  higher. 
They  have  learned,  that  society  is  a  purely  co-opera 
tive  institution.  They  have  learned,  that  the  wants  of 
society,  create  value  for  the  products  of  labor.  So 
ciety,  then,  is  labor's  market.  In  this  market,  the 
wants  of  the  weaker  units,  are  just  as  important,  as 
are  those  of  the  stronger.  Stimulated  by  the  number 
and  variety  of  these  wants,  inventive  genius  has 
given  to  us  tools  and  machinery,  which  have  in 
creased,  at  least  one  hundred  fold,  the  capacity  of 
labor  to  produce.  In  the  creation  of  tools  and 
machinery,  the  mental  acuteness  and  inventive  skill 
of  the  weaker  unit,  often  surpasses  that  of  the 
stronger.  It  follows,  then,  that  each  one  of  the 
weaker  units,  is  justly  entitled  to  an  equal  share  of 
the  advantages  which  are  conferred  on  labor  by 
society,  with  its  market  and  equipment  of  tools  and 
machinery.  These  advantages,  make  the  productive 


SOLARIS  FARM.  373 

work  of  all  classes,  nearly  equal.  Let  us  try  to  find 
the  real  difference,  between  the  daily  labor  products 
of  the  strongest  and  the  weakest  workers.  Let  us 
consider  present  conditions  here  at  Solaris,  as  an 
illustration.  Let  us  take  one  hundred  dollars,  as  the 
value  of  the  product  of  one  day's  labor,  by  an  aver 
age  person,  plus  the  advantage  of  such  superioi* 
social  organization,  training,  tools  and  equipment,  as 
Solaris  can  now  furnish.  On  the  other  hand,  let  us 
take  fifty  cents,  as  the  value  of  one  day's  labor,  by 
the  strongest,  most  capable  worker,  when  isolated 
from  his  fellows,  and  from  all  social  organization, 
with  its  tools  and  equipment.  Under  Jbhe  circum 
stances,  allowing  that  the  strongest  could  produce 
twice  as  much  as  the  weakest,  we  should  have 
twenty -five  cents,  as  the  value  of  the  daily  product 
of  the  weakest  worker.  These  sums,  compared  with 
one  hundred  dollars,  would  give  us  the  exact  differ 
ence  between  the  strongest  and  the  weakest,  under 
the  favorable  co-operative  conditions,  existing  at 
Solaris.  A  difference,  so  trifling  as  to  be  scarcely 
worthy  of  consideration,  only  one-fourth  of  one  per 
cent.  What  think  you,  George  !  Where  now  is  the 
injustice  of  equal  wages  ?  Remember,  when  justice 
is  done,  the  mission  of  charity  is  finished  !  " 

"Your  clear  statement  of  the  case,  has  proved  a 
revelation  to  me,  Fillmore !  I  am  quite  ready  to 
acknowledge  the  exact  justice,  of  your  co-operative 
system  of  equal  wages.  I  am  profoundly  impressed 
with  the  soundness  of  your  argument,  that  women 
and  all  weaker  units  in  the  army  of  labor,  are  justly 
entitled  to  an  equal  share  of  the  advantages  con 
ferred  on  labor,  by  social  organization,  and  by  the 
education,  training  and  equipment,  resulting  from 
that  organization.  This  view  of  the  question,  is  a 


374  SOLARIS  FARM. 

new  one  to  me.  It  places  the  whole  subject,  in  quite 
a  different  light.  By  the  aid  of  this  light,  I  am 
beginning  to  understand  something  of  the  intricacy 
and  force,  of  this  co-operative  machine,  which  we 
call  society;  and  how  much  it  affects  the  question  of 
labor  and  wages. 

"My  experience  with  co-operative  farming  here  at 
Solaris,  is  beginning  to  bear  fruit.  Under  your  in 
struction,  friend  Flagg,  I  think  I  can  now  under 
stand  the  wide  difference,  between  the  competitive 
and  the  co-operative  systems  of  organized  labor. 
The  former,  benefits  the  few  at  the  expense  of  the 
many.  The  latter,  raises  the  individual,  by  benefit 
ing  the  mass.  The  first,  seems  to  be  a  constant 
menace,  which  threatens  the  peace,  welfare  and 
stability  of  society;  clearly  making  for  evil.  The 
second,  striving  for  the  interests  of  all,  builds  up, 
strengthens  and  purifies  the  weaker  units ;  unmis 
takably  making  for  good.  The  results  seem  to 
marshal  themselves  on  the  side  of  co-operation,  for 
the  purpose  of  demonstrating  the  truth  of  its  shibbo 
leth,  that  the  injury  or  weakness  of  one,  is  the  con 
cern  of  all.  In  other  words,  to  raise  the  lower  strata 
of  society,  means  a  corresponding  elevation  for  the 
upper.  The  average  morality,  happiness  and  pros 
perity  of  society,  is  measured  by  the  morality,  happi 
ness  and  prosperity  of  its  weaker  units.  Tell  me, 
Fillmore,  does  the  acceptance  and  advocacy  of  this 
view  of  the  relations  existing  between  labor  and 
society,  make  one  a  socialist  ?  " 

"They  surely  do,  George!  They  make  you  a  social 
ist  of  the  most  progressive  type.  I  am  both  surprised 
and  delighted,  to  find  how  well  you  have  learned  the 
lesson  of  co-operation." 

"If  the  co-operators  at  Solaris,  are  socialists,  then 


SOLARIS  FARM.  375 

they  must  be  good  people.  I  am  perfectly  willing  to 
be  classed  with  them.  At  all  events,  I  am  a  thorough 
convert  to  the  co-operative  system.  I  can  now  under 
stand  the  scope  and  significance  of  the  work ;  and 
why  it  is,  that  the  Solaris  workers,  are  so  much 
superior  to  any  farm  people  I  have  ever  known.  I 
begin  to  perceive  that  the  success  of  the  co-operative 
farm,  means  the  regeneration  of  society. 

"This  morning,  Fillmore,  under  the  guidance  of 
Miss  Houghtoa,  I  visited  the  kindergarten,  the 
schools,  the  club  rooms  and  the  theatre.  I  was 
amazed,  to  find  such  a  magnificent  system  of  educa 
tion  and  amusement,  in  successful  operation,  for  the 
benefit  of  a  farm  village.  Indeed  !  A  city  of  fifty 
thousand  people,  would  be  very  fortunate,  in  the 
possession  of  such  a  fine  one !  How  did  you  manage 
to  make  it  possible  ?  " 

"In  carrying  out  the  wise  plans  of  Fennimore 
Fenwick,  you  behold  to-day,  the  result  of  combined 
co-operative  agriculture  and  stirpiculture,  which 
affords  to  our  people,  and  to  their  children,  con 
ditions  for  education  and  amusement,  fully  equal 
to  anything,  money  can  procure  for  the  wealthy. 
Children  born  at  Solaris,  under  carefully  prepared 
conditions  for  a  perfect  motherhood,  are  endowed 
with  a  precious  birth-right,  far  superior  to  anything 
heretofore  known  to  heirs  of  wealth.  The  system  is 
being  constantly  improved.  As  it  now  stands,  I  con 
sider  it  the  crowning  success  of  the  co-operative 
movement. 

"Speaking  of  Miss  Houghton,  George,  reminds 
me  of  a  question  !  You  have  yet  to  tell  me,  the  re 
sult  of  your  first  interview  with  her.  Did  she  seem 
to  blame  you  so  very  much,  for  not  answering  her 
mother's  letter  ?  " 


376  SOLARIS  FARM. 

"Oh!  no!  She  was  kindness  personified.  She 
hastened  to  assure  me  that,  in  the  light  of  subsequent 
events,  she  came  to  understand  the  whole  situation. 
It  appears,  that  after  writing  the  letter  in  question, 
her  mother  grew  very  much  better.  In  this  im 
proved  state,  she  lingered  for  some  time,  and  did  not 
die  until  several  weeks  after  Miss  Houghton  had 
read  to  her,  the  notice  of  my  mother's  death,  which 
came  to  them  through  the  columns  of  an  occasional 
New  England  newspaper. 

"Having  answered  your  question,  Fillmore,  I  will 
now  return  to  the  subject  of  my  visit  to  the  schools. 
The  interest  manifested  by  both  children  and  teachers 
is  something  to  be  proud  of.  The  amount  of  general 
information  of  a  practical  character,  which  the  pupils 
have  acquired,  even  in  the  lower  classes,  is  quite 
surprising.  This  is  especially  noticeable,  in  the  ready 
knowledge  they  display,  regarding  current  political 
events ;  including  the  personal  history,  character 
and  ability,  of  the  various  political  leaders.  Is  it 
wise,  to  devote  so  much  time  to  teaching  politics; 
and  to  commence  this  teaching  with  children  so 
young  ?  Do  you  really  consider  it  so  very  im 
portant?" 

'  'Yes,  George,  it  is  a  matter  of  the  utmost  impor 
tance  !  A  republic  of  ignorant  people,  is  a  republic 
only  in  name ;  in  reality,  it  is  an  oligarchy.  On  the 
contrary,  a  true  republic,  is  one  in  which  all  its  units 
or  voters,  are  so  educated,  that  they  are  familiar 
with  the  theory  and  practice  of  government.  They 
must  know  that  true  government  is  a  co-opera 
tive  institution,  which  must  guard  and  protect  with 
exact  justice,  the  interests  of  all  of  the  governed. 
They  must  know,  the  extent  and  condition  of  the 
agricultural,  manufacturing,  commercial,  mineral  and 


SOLARIS  FARM.  377 

lumbering  resources  of  the  country.  They  should 
understand  diplomatic,  domestic  and  foreign  re 
lations.  They  should  know  every  detail,  of  the 
educational,  financial  and  political  wants  of  the 
masses,  in  the  domain  of  each  State  or  Territory. 
Finally,  they  must  be  familiar  with  the  character, 
trustworthiness  and  ability,  of  all  political  leaders. 
Children  of  the  co-operative  farm,  are  educated  and 
trained,  in  a  manner  that  will  best  fit  them  to  become 
true  citizens  of  such  a  republic.  This  is  why,  a 
practical,  political  education,  to  be  successful,  must 
become  a  matter  of  interest  to  the  children  while 
they  are  young.  They  will  then  learn,  that  a  true 
republic,  is  a  co-operative  machine,  which  cannot 
run  smoothly,  while  one  imperfect  cog  remains  to 
retard  the  action  of  its  wheels.  This  valuable  lesson, 
they  cannot  learn  too  soon.  What  think  you,  friend 
Gaylord  ?  " 

"I  cannot  quite  agree  with  you  in  this  matter, 
Fillmore  !  I  think  it  would  be  far  wiser,  while  they 
are  so  young,  to  teach  these  children  such  lessons  as 
will  give  them  the  ground  work  for  a  sound  religious 
faith.  Then  they  will  understand  the  first  impor 
tance,  of  being  prepared  to  save  their  own  souls. 
Later,  in  the  closing  school  years,  they  could  be 
taught  your  progressive,  political  scheme,  which  I 
think  is  a  remarkably  good  one." 

"Stop  one  moment,  George  !  I  see  Miss  Hough  ton 
is  coming.  She  will  be  delighted  with  an  oppor 
tunity  to  answer  some  of  your  objections,  to  the  co 
operative  code  of  ethics,  evolved  by  the  people  of 
Solaris." 

"You  are  a  welcome  visitor,  Miss  Houghton  !  You 
have  arrived,  just  in  the  nick  of  time  !  Our  mutual 
friend  here,  Mr.  Gaylord,  has  been  telling  me  of  his 


378  SOLARIS  FARM. 

visit  to  our  schools,  under  your  guidance.  While  he 
praises  the  wonderful  progress  made  by  the  pupils  ; 
he  seems  to  think,  that  we  teach  too  much  politics 
and  too  little  religion." 

11  Pardon  me,  Miss  Hough  ton  ! "  said  George  Gay- 
lord,  "I  assure  you,  that  I  was  not  indulging  the 
spirit  of  fault  finding  !  Allow  me  to  explain  !  I  had 
reached  a  point  in  our  discussion,  where  I  was  about 
to  remark,  that  since  Adam's  time,  the  people  of  the 
world  have  been  born,  heirs  to  the  dominancy  of 
total  depravity.  With  this  heritage,  we  are  as  prone 
to  sin,  as  are  the  sparks  to  fly  upward.  Under  such 
circumstances,  it  would  surely  be  the  height  of  folly, 
to  attempt  to  overcome  this  natural  tendency  toward 
evil,  without  the  aid  of  the  strong  arm  of  the  church, 
with  its  broad  mantle  of  Christian  faith  and  saving 
grace." 

"I  grant  you,  Mr.  Gaylord,  that  with  your  peculiar 
training,  such  a  conclusion  would  be  quite  natural." 

"Now,  Mr.  Flagg  !  I  have  a  word  for  you  !  We 
must  make  every  allowance,  for  Mr.  Gay  lord's  theo 
logical  education.  An  education,  that  has  filled  his 
mind  with  somewhat  distorted  meanings,  for  the 
terms,  religious  faith,  soul,  sin,  salvation,  religion, 
total  depravity  and  many  others  of  a  similar  import, 
which  theology  has  applied  to  man's  spiritual  welfare. 
Just  at  present,  the  difference  between  us,  is  wholly 
a  matter  of  definition.  When  we  have  acquired  a 
true  meaning  for  these  disputed  terms,  we  shall 
stand  harmoniously  on  a  common  ground.  We 
shall  then  be  ready  to  accept  the  higher  teachings 
of  the  new  religion.  A  religion  of  spiritual  evolution 
and  unfoldment,  which  responds  to  the  progress  of 
the  twentieth  century." 

"You  are  quite  right,  Miss  Hough  ton  !    I  am  very 


SOLARIS  FARM.  379 

willing  to  make  the  generous  allowance  you  suggest. 
I  think  Mr.  Gay  lord  would  be  glad  to  hear  your 
views,  regarding  the  practical  teachings  of  the  new 
religion." 

"Thank  you,  Fillmore ! "  said  George  Gaylord, 
"you  have  voiced  a  request,  I  was  about  to  make.  I 
trust  Miss  Houghton,  will  proceed  at  once.  I  will 
promise  to  be  a  listener,  who  is  both  interested  and 
attentive. " 

'  *  I  will  promise  one  thing,  Mr.  Gaylord.  It  is  this, 
before  I  have  finished,  I  shall  do  my  best,  to  con 
vince  you,  that  in  embracing  the  new  religion,  the 
people  of  Solaris  have  devoted  themselves  to  a 
system  of  religious  teaching,  which  is  far  too  broad 
for  the  limitation  of  church  walls.  That  this  new 
religion,  is  so  practical,  and  so  exacting,  that  its 
followers,  if  they  are  true,  are  in  duty  bound  to 
observe  it  as  a  rule  of  life,  seven  days  in  the  week, 
year  in  and  year  out. 

"As  a  primary  basis,  the  new  religion  teaches, 
that  all  human  life  is  sacred.  That  it  is  the  highest 
expression  on  this  planet,  of  an  Omniscient  purpose. 
Conscious  life,  or  the  capacity  to  become  conscious 
of  anything,  is  a  Deific  attribute.  All  knowledge 
comes  to  the  mind  through  the  avenue  of  the  senses, 
or  from  sensations  produced  by  contact  with  existing 
things  in  the  domain  of  Nature.  The  domain  of 
Nature,  is  the  domain  of  the  Omniscient !  All  real 
knowledge,  acquired  from  this  domain  by  right 
methods,  which  is  in  harmony  with  natural  evolu 
tion,  is  Truth.  Truth,  then,  is  Divine  ! 

"From  these  broad  premises,  we  may  deduce,  that 
to  acquire  knowledge,  or  to  accumulate  truth,  be 
comes  the  highest  duty  of  life,  a  religious  activity  of 
the  highest  order.  To  be  engaged  in  the  intellectual 


380  SOLARIS  FARM. 

process  of  gaining  knowledge,  is  to  be  engaged  in  a 
spiritual  work.  The  intellectual  process,  is  a  spirit 
ual  process.  By  the  psychologic  action  of  the  mind, 
through  its  sub-conscious  functioning,  all  knowledge 
coming  through  the  senses,  first  becomes  the  spirit 
ual  possession  of  the  Ego,  the  Soul,  the  seat  of  con 
sciousness,  before  it  can  be  expressed  materially  by 
the  mortal  man.  Hence,  spiritual  evolution,  is  a 
natural  growth,  a  crowning  part  of  physical  and  in 
tellectual  evolution.  The  body,  as  an  associated 
colony  of  more  or  less  intelligent  cells,  is  an  important 
part  of  the  thinking  machine.  Body,  brain  and  in 
tellect,  in  their  dual  existence  on  the  material  plane, 
form  an  important  trinity,  which  enables  the  Spirit 
to  accumulate  knowledge,  and  also  to  retain  that 
knowledge,  after  the  passing  of  the  physical.  To 
dispute  this  postulate,  would  be  manifestly  absurd, 
as  the  spiritual  man  is  the  conscious  Ego,  the  real 
gleaner  and  possessor  of  knowledge.  It  follows 
then,  that  to  be  engaged  in  any  kind  of  educational 
work,  is  to  be  engaged  in  a  religious  work  of  great 
spiritual  importance.  That,  through  proper  intel 
lectual  training,  we  may  obtain  spiritual  growth,  re 
build  the  moral  character,  exterminate  vice,  and  un 
fold  the  graces  of  virtue,  purity,  honesty  and  good 
ness.  These  are  spiritual  attributes,  which  embrace 
all  there  is  in  the  domain  of  morals. 

'  *  In  appealing  to  the  new  religion,  for  a  broader, 
truer  definition  of  the  term,  Soul,  we  learn  that  Soul, 
as  a  cosmic  unit  of  the  larger  cosmos,  is  the  reposi 
tory  of  infinite  possibilities  :  That  evolution  is  the 
law,  by  which  these  possibilities  are  unfolded  :  That 
it  inherits  immortality  -as  a  birthright,  from  the 
Great  Over  Soul^  the  source  and  center  of  all  life : 
That,  in  fulfilling  the  law  of  life,  by  sojourning  in 


SOLARIS  FARM.  381 

the  flesh  for  a  brief  period,  it  cannot  be  lost,  or  be 
come  totally  depraved ;  although  the  body,  which  is 
but  its  earthly  expression,  may  become  so  debased 
by  poverty,  selfishness  and  sin,  as  to  momentarily 
thwart  the  Divine  purpose  of  life. 

"From  the  same  source,  and  by  the  same  au 
thority,  in  response  to  a  sincere  desire  for  a  better 
definition  of  the  word  Sin ;  we  are  taught,  that  the 
object  and  purpose  of  the  existence  of  this  planet, 
is  the  evolution  and  perfection  of  the  human  race. 
Human  life,  then,  is  the  flower  and  fruit  of  the  planet. 
As  such,  it  is  the  direct  expression  of  a  Divine  pur 
pose.  At  the  command  of  a  higher  law,  this  life 
must  at  all  times,  be  treated  as  sacred.  „  From  this 
high  rock  of  observation,  we  perceive  that  all  acts, 
by  society  or  individuals,  which  tend  to  promote, 
protect  and  purify  this  life,  are  helpful  along  lines 
of  evolution;  therefore,  righteous  and  good.  In 
their  doing,  these  acts  become  the  highest  expression 
of  a  religious  duty.  On  the  contrary,  all  acts,  by 
society  or  individuals,  which  tend  to  destroy,  injure, 
poison  or  sully  this  sacred  life,  or  to  bar  its  ordained 
progress,  are  in  themselves,  unholy,  wrong  and 
criminal.  In  commission,  these  acts  become  the 
greatest  of  all  sins.  The  logic  of  this  deduction,  is 
beyond  dispute ;  because  they  are  direct  attempts  to 
thwart  the  progressive  and  evolutionary  purpose  of 
the  planet ;  therefore,  they  must  be  considered  as 
sins  of  the  first  magnitude. 

' '  Second  in  magnitude,  and  akin  to  these  in  wicked 
ness,  is  the  ^in  of  society  against  women.  A  sin  so 
potent  for  evil,  that  at  the  behest  of  selfishness, 
greed  and  lust,  government,  church  and  society,  with 
one  accord  and  without  a  protest,  join  in  denying  to 
woman  an  existence  of  financial  independence.  This 


382  SOLARIS  FARM. 

denial  makes  slaves  of  women,  who  should  be  noble, 
pure,  self-poised,  self-sustaining  and  absolutely  free. 
But  the  acme  of  wickedness  is  reached,  when  this 
denial  reduces  women  to  creatures  of  merchandise, 
when  every  year,  it  drives  unnumbered  thousands 
of  them  to  lives  of  degredation  and  shame;  thus 
perpetrating  the  crime  of  the  century  against  unborn 
generations,  by  tainting  and  poisoning  the  fountain 
of  life  at  its  very  source.  The  new  religion  has  de 
creed,  that  the  mothers  of  a  perfected  republic,  must 
of  a  necessity,  be  both  pure  and  free.  It  purposes  to 
cure  this  crime,  by  working  through  the  strong  arms 
of  an  ever- increasing  series,  of  unselfish  co-operative 
brotherhoods,  where  a  progressive  union  of  agri 
culture,  and  stirpiculture,  shall  provide  for  and  pro 
tect  both  mothers  and  children;  at  the  same  time 
furnishing  the  ways  and  means,  which  offer  an  honor 
able,  useful  self-sustaining  existence  to  all  woman 
kind,  be  they  wives,  mothers,  sisters  or  sweethearts. 
'  'Third  in  magnitude  and  closely  allied  to  the  first 
two,  is  the  great  sin  of  ignorance.  The  mother  of 
bigotry  and  superstitious  fear;  the  father  of  du 
plicity  and  craven  cowardice!  What  we  know,  we 
fear  not.  It  is  only  the  mysterious  darkness  of  the 
unknown,  that  is  filled  with  terror.  To  abolish 
ignorance,  is,  to  make  the  mind  master  over  matter. 
Mind  is  both  the  spiritual  and  the  intellectual  ex 
pression  of  the  soul.  True  culture  of  the  mind,  is 
moral  culture.  It  is  only  the  well  grown,  highly 
cultured  mind,  that  can  reflect  the  inherent  graces 
of  the  spirit,  which  mark  all  noble  characters.  To 
the  individual,  who  has  acquired  a  knowledge  of  the 
law  of  evolution  and  environment,  is  given  the 
power  to  control  environmental  conditions ;  by  wrest 
ing  from  nature  the  secrets  of  success,  in  feeding, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  383 

clothing,  housing,  educating  and  elevating  humanity. 
It  follows  then,  that  to  overcome  the  sin  of  ignorance, 
is  to  banish  poverty.  To  banish  poverty,  is  to  banish 
want.  To  banish  want,  is  to  take  away  the  very 
foundations  of  the  sin  of  selfishness.  Selfishness, 
is  the  father  of  a  multitude  of  sins,  which  must 
perish  with  it. 

"From  these  premises  we  must  deduce,  that  all 
educative  work  in  the  proper  sense,  is  a  religious 
activity,  which  makes  us  better  acquainted  with  the 
relations  which  'exist,  between  man  and  his  Creator, 
the  Great  Over  Soul.  The  spiritualizing  influence 
of  this  intellectual  work,  carries  with  it  the  compen 
sation  of  a  great  reward.  It  crowns  the  gleaner, 
with  happiness  of  the  purest  type.  As  knowledge 
increases,  the  field  of  knowledge  expands,  the  flood 
of  happiness  swells  in  volume.  A  long  busy  life  on 
the  material  plane  of  existence,  is  far  too  short  to 
acquire  this  vast  treasure,  which  is  commensurate 
with  the  needs  of  progress  for  an  eternity  of  spirit 
ual  existence,  to  which,  this  life  is  simply  the  primary 
school.  With  a  better  understanding  of  the  nature 
of  sin,  and  of  the  alarming  extent  of  its  evil  influence 
over  human  life;  the  new  religion  undertakes  to 
bless  mankind,  by  banishing  ignorance,  poverty  and 
crime.  To  this  practical,  spiritual  work,  the  people 
of  Solaris  religiously  devote  themselves,  as  being  a 
life-work  of  the  noblest  order. 

"The  three  principal  sins  which  we  have  con 
sidered,  may  be  justly  regarded  as  the  parents  of  all 
lesser  sins.  Having  given  a  few  brief  suggestions 
as  to  methods  of  cure,  which  are  offered  by  the  new 
religion ;  I  am  now  ready,  Mr.  Gaylord,  to  take  up 
the  doctrine  of  total  depravity;  which  plays  such  an 
important  part  in  your  theology. 


384  SOLARIS  FARM. 

"As  the  primary  step,  I  will  re-state  a  prior  postu 
late,  as  follows  :  The  spiritual  man,  is  the  conscious 
Ego,  the  Soul,  or  a  cosmic  unit  of  the  larger  cosmos; 
an  indestructible  part  of  the  great  life  principle.  As 
such,  it  is  the  repository  of  infinite  possibilities, 
which  are  destined  to  be  unfolded  by  the  law  of  pro 
gressive  evolution.  From  the  Great  Over  Soul,  it 
inherits  immortality  and  indestructibility;  therefore, 
it  cannot  be  lost,  saved,  or  become  depraved.  The 
mortal  body  is  an  outer  covering,  through  which  it 
must  express  itself  on  the  material  plane  of  exist 
ence.  Physical,  intellectual  and  spiritual  life,  are 
subject  to  the  law  of  evolution,  by  which  they 
achieve  progression  and  fulfill  the  purpose  of  ex 
istence. 

"To  assume,  that  the  people  of  this  planet,  are 
born  subject  to  the  dominancy  of  total  depravity,  is 
to  deny  immortality,  and  the  truth  of  these  postu 
lates.  In  denying  them,  it  denies  the  existence  of  a 
dominant  principle  of  good,  and  affirms  the  existence 
of  a  dominant  principle  of  evil.  It  also  denies  all 
progress,  all  moral  reform,  every  noble  aspiration, 
every  good  deed,  all  evolution,  all  science  and  all 
reason.  Where  then,  in  the  economy  of  nature,  is 
there  room  or  use  for  the  doctrine  of  total  depravity? 
A  doctrine  so  pernicious,  that  in  the  mouths  of  its 
advocates,  it  has  done  more  than  aught  else,  to  de 
stroy  the  confidence  of  mortals,  in  the  wisdom  and 
justice  of  the  Divine  plan  of  the  universe.  To  even 
assert  its  existence,  is  to  question  the  existence  of  a 
universe,  under  the  reign  of  justice,  law  and  order. 
Evidently,  the  doctrine  of  total  depravity,  does  not 
belong  to  the  domain  of  fact.  It  is  equally  clear, 
that  it  must  be  a  theological  fiction.  A  sin  of  the 
ology  against  progress,  which  in  the  dazzling  white- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  385 

ness  of  the  spiritual  light  of  the  new  religion,  must 
soon  fade  into  oblivion. 

1  'Can  we  teach  politics  to  school  children,  as  a  part 
of  our  religious  duties  ?  Is  a  question  we  will  now 
consider.  The  answer,  will  depend  largely  on  the 
definition,  which  we  give  to  the  word  religion.  Let 
us  try  to  find  a  true  definition,  broad  enough  to  em 
brace  an  affirmative  answer  to  our  question.  As  a 
basis,  we  have  human  life  as  the  highest  expression 
of  the  planet.  With  the  physical  body,  as  the  basis 
for  intellectual  evolution.  With  intellectual  evolu 
tion,  as  the  basis  for  spiritual  evolution.  Hence,  we 
have  as  a  conclusion,  that  the  spiritual  development 
and  unfoldment  of  the  race,  up  to  a  point  where  it 
can  accept  the  truth  of  immortality,  is  the  logical 
purpose  to  be  accomplished  by  all  religions.  Reason 
ing  from  these  premises,  it  would  seem  clear,  that 
the  practical  value  of  any  religion,  must  be  measured 
by  its  ability  to  teach  the  people  how  to  help  them 
selves  ;  how  to  master  the  great  problem  of  physical 
life,  by  attaining  perfection  in  the  arts  of  feeding, 
clothing,  housing,  educating  and  spiritualizing  the 
race.  If,  in  connection  with  these  solid  foundations 
for  a  natural  religion,  we  add  the  important  fact, 
that  this  is  a  republic,  in  which  the  wish  of  the 
majority,  should  become  the  law  of  the  mass;  we 
shall  discover  that  politics  become  the  natural 
channel,  through  which  the  wishes  of  the  majority 
are  expressed ;  that  corrupt  politics,  result  in  bad 
government ;  that  pure  politics,  insure  good  govern 
ment  ;  that  a  wise,  just  government,  is  the  greatest 
political  benefit  which  can  be  conferred  on  the  people 
governed.  United,  these  conclusions  give  an  affirma 
tive  answer  to  our  question.  They  also  tell  us  why, 
the  new  religion,  the  mouth-piece  of  inspiration, 

13 


386  SOLARIS  FARM. 

reason,  science,  evolution  and  progress,  should  pro 
claim  it  a  religious  duty,  to  teach  our  children, 
— embryo  citizens  of  the  republic — every  practical 
detail  of  pure  politics. 

"What  think  you,  Mr.  Gay  lord?  Have  your  ob 
jections,  been  satisfactorily  answered  ?  Can  we 
agree  to  accept  new  definitions,  for  the  disputed 
religious  terms,  which  we  have  been  discussing  ?  " 

"I  am  satisfied,  Miss  Houghton,  that  I  have  been 
quite  too  hasty  in  my  conclusions !  You  have  con 
vinced  me  of  the  importance  of  teaching  pure  politics 
to  children,  as  a  part  of  their  religious  training. 
With  regard  to  other  religious  questions,  you  have 
answered  my  objections  in  a  most  masterly  manner  ! 
The  practical  religion,  which  you  have  so  beautifully 
outlined  and  so  clearly  defined,  seems  worthy  of  all 
the  eloquence  which  you  have  bestowed  upon  it. 
That  dreadful  doctrine  of  total  depravity,  which  you 
have  so  effectually  demolished,  has  always  been  a 
repulsive  one  to  me !  For  years,  it  has  been  a 
tormenting  theological  thorn  in  my  side !  I  could 
never  quite  reconcile  its  existence,  with  the  over 
ruling  dominion  of  an  all- wise  Creator;  the  very 
embodiment  of  Infinite  goodness.  I  may  as  well  say 
frankly,  that  I  have  often  tried  to  find  some  good 
reason  for  denying  it  t  Now,  I  have  found  one,  that 
will  satisfy  my  conscience.  With  the  vexing  doctrine 
of  total  depravity  eliminated  from  the  religious 
problem,  a  definition  for  the  term,  practical  religion, 
becomes  much  more  simple.  A  new  light  is  thrown 
on  the  whole  subject.  Just  at  present,  under  the 
influence  of  this  light,  I  am  inclined  to  think,  that 
your  statements  and  your  premises,  are  all  true. 
Granting  this,  I  will  cheerfully  admit,  that  the  people 
of  Solaris,  are  nobly  living  practical  religious  lives. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  387 

I  am  very  much  interested  in  the  wonderful  claims 
of  this  new  religion.  I  trust,  that  after  some  weeks 
of  careful  examination,  I  may  be  able  to  accept  them 
without  one  single  reservation.  After  that,  I  venture 
to  promise,  that  we  shall  be  able  to  agree  on  a  sat 
isfactory  definition,  for  all  disputed  religious  terms." 

"Bravo!  George!  Now,  you  are  talking  more 
like  your  old  self,  more  like  a  reasonable  man.  You 
are  making  great  progress,  in  mastering  the  under 
lying  principles  and  practical  work  of  the  co-oper 
ative  movement  !  I  think,  Miss  Houghton,  that 
you  ought  to  join  in  offering  congratulations.  Will 
you  not  ?  " 

"Yes,  Mr.  Flagg  !  I  shall  be  glad  to  do  so  !  First, 
I  want  to  compliment  Mr.  Gaylord,  on  his  excellence 
as  a  listener  !  Then  again,  I  wish  to  thank  him,  for 
his  kindly  summing  up,  of  the  impressions,  which 
came  to  him  from  my  rather  long  sermon  on  prac 
tical  religion. 

' '  Now  gentlemen,  you  must  excuse  me  !  I  have  an 
engagement,  which  demands  my  immediate  presence 
at  the  kindergarten." 


CHAPTER  XLII. 

RURAL    LIFE  UNDER   THE    REIGN  OF  CO-OPERATION. 

"I  WISH,  Fillmore,"  said  George  Gaylord,  "to 
question  your  statement,  as  to  the  ability  of  the  co 
operative  movement,  to  check  the  rush  from  country 
to  city  life.  The  tide  of  the  movement  is  a  strong 
one,  that  has  been  constantly  increasing  in  volume, 
for  the  past  twenty  years.  I  fear  that  even  the  pop- 


388  SOLARIS  FARM. 

ular  co-operative  movement,  will  fail  to  turn  the 
flood." 

*  'The  thing  is  sure  to  be  accomplished,  George ! 
But,  to  understand  the  workings  of  the  underlying 
force,  which  shall  make  this  change  possible,  we 
must  first  study  the  units  of  rural  society.  Of  course, 
the  financial  basis  of  these  units,  must  be  supported 
by  agriculture.  Agriculture  is,  and  must  continue 
to  be  the  main  support  of  all  rural  populations. 
Fifty  years  ago,  agriculture  as  a  whole,  comprised  a 
vast  collection  of  small  farms  and  farmers.  Then, 
the  small  farmer  and  his  family,  as  the  stable  unit 
of  suburban  society,  was  financially  and  practically 
independent.  Questions  of  over-production  of  food 
products,  rise  or  fall  in  the  price  of  exchange,  panic 
in  the  money  market,  or  an  adverse  balance  of  trade, 
disturbed  them  not. 

"Under  the  spur  of  necessity,  and  as  a  part  of  the 
legitimate  farm  work,  the  farmer  and  his  family,  in 
a  crude  way,  practiced  many  of  the  industrial  arts, 
such  as  leather  working,  harness  making,  boot  and 
shoe  making,  cloth  making,  the  carding,  spinning 
and  weaving  of  wool ;  the  preparation,  spinning  and 
weaving  of  flax  or  linen  fabrics ;  the  manufacture  of 
many  farm  implements,  brooms,  baskets,  harrows, 
sleds  and  carts  ;  tailoring,  making  all  kinds  of  under 
wear,  hosiery,  gloves  and  mittens  ;  linen  furnishings, 
for  table  and  bed,  together  with  many  other  articles 
of  household  use.  Often,  the  forge  and  the  anvil, 
with  tools  for  rough  iron  working,  were  added  to  the 
equipment  of  the  farm.  In  those  days,  farming  re 
quired  a  knowledge  of  the  use  of  tools ;  the  square, 
the  level,  the  plumb-bob ;  the  hammer,  the  saw  and 
the  plane ;  were  as  necessary  to  the  farmer,  as  they 
were  to  the  carpenter. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  389 

"If  we  carefully  study  the  significance  of  these 
things,  we  shall  soon  discover,  that  in  reality  those 
farms  were  practically,  combined  agricultural  and 
manufacturing  institutions,  which  were  self-support 
ing  and  self-sustaining  to  such  an  extent,  that  farm 
people  were  the  most  independent  on  the  face  of  the 
globe.  As  such,  these  small  farm  centers  were 
potent  factors,  in  swiftly  advancing  the  permanent 
wealth  and  civilization  of  rural  society.  Born  and 
trained  in  this  practical  school  of  life  ;  financially  un- 
shackeled,  therefore  politically  free  ;  our  farmers  of 
fifty  years  ago,  developed  a  spirit  of  sturdy  in 
dependence,  a  patriotic  devotion,  a  steadfastness 
of  purpose,  a  self-confidence,  and  a  power  of  the 
initiative,  which  made  them  the  pride  and  the  bulwark 
of  the  nation.  They  were  the  well  trained,  trust 
worthy  citizens,  of  a  true  republic. 

' '  Evolutionary  progress,  moves  forward  by  waves. 
The  depression  between  the  crest  of  the  last  and  the 
summit  of  the  succeeding  wave,  represents  the  tran 
sition,  from  one  step  of  progress  to  the  next  higher. 
Therefore,  periods  of  depression,  need  not  cause 
alarm,  they  are  in  reality  prophecies  of  progress. 
Let  us  apply  this  evolutionary  law  to  agriculture  and 
its  people,  as  being  in  the  transition  stage,  during 
the  past  forty  years. 

"  Since  the  beginning  of  the  last  half  of  the 
nineteenth  century,  the  separation  between  agri 
culture  and  manufacture  has  been  going  forward, 
the  gulf  between  them  becoming  wider  and  more 
absolute,  with  each  succeeding  year.  Invention, 
improved  machinery,  combinations  of  capital,  the 
sub-division  of  the  various  trades  into  specialties, 
leaving  the  worker,  master  of  none  ;  all  have  served 
to  develop  the  entire  system  of  manufacturing  in- 


390  SOLARIS  FARM. 

dustries,  to  a  degree  out  of  all  harmony  with  the 
tardy  progress  made  by  agriculture.  The  mining 
and  manufacturing  craze,  has  swallowed  up  all  other 
interests.  Like  a  whirlwind,  it  has  spread  over  the 
land,  drawing  into  the  ranks  of  its  toilers  hosts  of 
agricultural  workers ;  thus  swelling  the  army,  pro 
ducing  manufactured  articles,  and  correspondingly 
reducing  the  home  market  for  such  things. 

"These  conditions  have  naturally  produced  a  con 
gested  market.  Logically,  there  has  followed,  peri 
ods  of  stagnation,  labor  riots  on  account  of  reduced 
wages,  periods  of  enforced  idleness,  and  panics  in 
the  money  market ;  all  culminating  in  a  loud  demand 
for  relief  from  the  burden  of  over-production,  by 
securing  control  of  foreign  markets.  So  completely 
has  the  manufacturing  craze  dominated  the  com 
mercial  and  political  economy  of  the  republic,  that 
both  leaders  and  people  are  blind  to  the  real  cause  of 
the  calamity.  An  aggressive  and  progressive  mi 
nority  begin  to  realize,  that  the  laborer  and  the 
farmer  are  no  longer  free,  that  they  are  the  slaves 
of  capital  with  its  factories  and  machines,  or  of  rail 
road  combines,  which  control  all  lines  of  transporta 
tion.  But  no  one  sufficiently  understands  the  situa 
tion,  to  be  able  to  answer  why. 

"Now  let  us  study  the  history  of  agriculture, 
during  the  past  forty  years.  This  trying  period  of 
transition,  has  been  marked  by  many  changes.  The 
small  farm  family,  shorn  of  its  ability  to  manufacture, 
even  in  a  crude  way;  for  shoes,  clothing,  bedding 
and  table  linen,  must  patronize  factories  located  in 
distant  cities.  In  order  to  pay  for  these  things, 
much  farm  produce  must  be  shipped  to  remote 
markets.  In  both  cases,  such  heavy  freights,  com- 
nrssions  and  profits,  are  paid  to  lines  of  transporta- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  391 

tion,  middle  men  and  handlers,  that  at  the  end  of  the 
year,  the  farmer's  net  proceeds  are  reduced  to  zero, 
or  at  least  very  close  to  that  point.  If  the  farmer 
be  in  debt,  he  finds  himself  unable  to  pay  the  interest 
on  the  indebtedness.  If  the  farm  represents  much 
invested  capital,  the  net  income  of  the  farm  becomes 
too  meagre  to  pay  even  a  moderate  rate  of  interest 
on  its  cost  value ;  therefore  its  selling  value  must 
shrink  to  the  level  of  its  reduced  income.  In  this 
way  a  large  share  of  the  available  assets  of  the  small 
farmer,  are  swept  away.  The  savings  of  years,  are 
swallowed  up  and  lost.  Savings,  that  in  the  aggre 
gate,  amount  to  many  millions  of  dollars.  What  has 
become  of  these  values  ?  They  have  been  absorbed 
by  the  cities  and  the  railroad  monopolies,  whose 
servants  the  cities  are. 

"Four  decades  of  this  process,  has  robbed  the 
farm-center,  as  a  unit  of  rural  society,  of  its  former 
wealth,  independence  and  power.  Rural  society  as 
a  whole,  is  no  stronger  than  its  weakest  unit.  This 
is  why  agricultural  districts  are  depopulated,  while 
cities  are  over  crowded.  These  results  are  the  work 
of  the  competitive  system,  with  its  wasteful,  wicked 
methods  of  distribution  and  exchange,  which  so 
widely  separates  the  farm  and  the  factory,  the 
farmer  and  the  artisan,  the  food  and  the  consumer. 

"From  another  point  of  view,  we  may  discover 
that  inventive  genius,  has  added  a  long  list  of  labor- 
saving  machinery,  to  the  equipment  of  the  farm. 
Since  wheat  growing,  has  become  the  leading  crop, 
this  expensive  machinery  must  be  included  in  the 
outfit  of  every  successful  farm.  The  burden  of  this 
expense,  has  proved  too  great  for  the  capacity  of  the 
small  farm.  It  has  encumbered  thousands  of  them 
with  an  indebtedness  so  hopeless,  that  its  annual 


£,92  SOLARIS  FARM. 

interest  swallows  up  the  income  of  the  farm.  From 
these  causes,  a  crisis  in  the  affairs  of  agriculture  has 
arisen,  which  has  demanded  larger  farms,  more 
capital,  more  brain  force  and  more  systematic,  better 
organized,  co-operative  labor.  Hence,  the  evolution  of 
the  bonanza  farm  ;  with  which  the  small  farm  can  no 
longer  compete.  Notwithstanding  its  many  wasteful 
methods,  the  bonanza  farm  has  been  a  step  in  the 
right  direction.  It  has  taught  our  agricultural  people 
a  valuable  lesson,  as  to  what  may  be  accomplished 
by  the  combined  co-operation  of  brains,  labor  and 
capital.  It  has  demonstrated  the  necessity  for  the 
evolution  of  the  co-operative  farm.  It  has  prepared 
the  way  for  it. 

"With  the  advent  of  the  co-operative  farm,  will 
come  the  beginning  of  a  new  agricultural  era.  The 
co-operative  farm  village,  with  its  well  organized, 
allied  industries,  will  again  unite  agriculture  with 
manufacture.  The  village  will  represent  the  new 
unit  of  rural  society.  This  unit  will  be  free,  in 
dependent  and  self-sustaining  The  occupation  of 
farming,  will  be  lifted  into  a  new  realm.  It  will  be 
come  the  occupation  of  the  noble,  the  cultured  and 
the  progressive.  The  people  of  these  farm  centers, 
will  form  the  warp  and  woof  of  agricultural  society, 
organized  as  a  whole.  The  presence  of  organized 
society,  largely  adds  to  the  value  of  all  lands  and  to 
the  value  of  agricultural  and  manufactured  products. 

"The  brilliant  author  of  'Volney's  Ruins,'  well 
understood  the  force  of  this  principle  as  applied  to 
increasing  agricultural  wealth,  and  at  the  same  time 
largely  adding  to  the  general  prosperity  of  the  State. 
In  an  essay  published  in  1790,  Volney  lays  down  the 
following  principles :  '  The  force  of  a  State  is  in 
proportion  to  its  population ;  population  is  in  pro- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  393 

portion  to  plenty  ;  plenty  is  in  proportion  to  tillage ; 
and  tillage,  to  personal  and  immediate  interest,  tljat 
is  to  the  spirit  of  property.  Whence  it  follows,  that 
the  nearer  the  cultivator  approaches  the  passive 
condition  of  a  mercenary,  the  less  industry  and  ac 
tivity  are  to  be  expected  from  him  ;  and,  on  the  other 
hand,  the  nearer  he  is  to  the  condition  of  a  free  and 
entire  proprietor,  the  more  extension  he  gives  to  his 
own  forces,  to  the  produce  of  his  lands,  and  to  the 
general  prosperity  of  the  State.' 

"Each  co  operative  farm,  will  become  a  new  center 
of  permanent  wealth ;  a  new  center  of  social  pro 
gress  ;  of  organized  labor ;  of  distribution  and  ex 
change.  These  new  centers,  by  again  bringing 
together  the  food  and  the  consumer,  will  save  millions 
for  themselves,  which  under  the  competitive  system, 
were  thrown  away  in  freights  and  commissions.  As 
these  farm  centers  continue  to  increase,  they  may 
stretch  away  in  one  unbroken  chain,  perhaps  five 
hundred  miles  in  length.  Each  link  in  the  chain, 
will  be  a  five  or  ten-mile  boulevard.  Altogether, 
forming  one  continuous  system  of  broad,  free  high 
ways,  the  finest  the  world  ever  saw  !  Aided  by  trains 
of  horseless  carriages,  there  will  be  developed  be 
tween  the  centers  along  this  highway,  a  new  system 
of  transportation,  distribution,  commerce  and  ex 
change.  With  the  establishment  of  each  new  system, 
the  co-operative  movement  will  gain  an  added  impe 
tus.  The  centers  of  exchange,  distribution  and  com 
merce,  located  in  great  cities,  will  gradually  loso 
their  dominancy.  The  long  lines  of  monopolized 
railroads,  connecting  these  cities,  will  as  surely  lose; 
a  large  proportion  of  their  traffic.  The  magnetic 
wealth  and  bustle  of  the  great  city,  will  lose  its 
attractive  power.  As  a  consequence,  and  by  the 


394  SOLARIS  FARM. 

action  of  a  natural  law,  the  tide  of  wealth  and  pop 
ulation,  will  flow  back  to  the  country;  with  its 
meadows  and  fields,  its  mountains  and  streams,  its 
sunshine,  blue  skies,  pure  air  and  wholesome,  enjoy 
able  village  life.  Amid  such  surroundings,  upright 
and  just,  fearless  and  free,  the  model  citizen  of  a 
true  republic,  may  find  a  natural  home." 

1 '  Pardon  me,  Fillmore,  for  the  interruption !  I 
freely  concede  the  desirability  of  the  results,  which 
you  have  so  glowingly  pictured.  Nevertheless,  I  can 
not  quite  agree  with  you,  about  the  existence  of  a 
law,  through  which  the  tide  of  wealth  and  popula 
tion  will  again  flow  towards  the  country.  I  am  in 
clined  to  think,  that  facts  and  figures  are  against 
such  a  result.  The  statistics  of  the  census  of  1890, 
indicate  that  about  one-third  of  the  population, 
and  over  seventy-five  per  cent  of  the  wealth  of  the 
nation,  were  then  located  in  the  cities.  A  little  later, 
able  thinkers  and  writers  of  the  Josiah  Strong  type, 
proclaimed,  that  by  the  middle  of  the  twentieth 
century,  this  would  be  a  nation  of  cities,  with  less 
than  ten  per  cent  of  its  wealth  and  population  re 
maining  rural.  As  startling  as  these  predictions  are, 
I  very  much  fear,  that  the  logic  of  events  favor 
their  fulfillment !  " 

"If  you  will  give  me  a  little  more  time  George,  I 
think  I  shall  be  able  to  show  you  where  these  writers 
erred,  in  reasoning  from  wrong  premises.  They 
have  judged  the  trend  of  events  and  the  probable  re 
sults  that  are  to  follow,  from  the  standpoint  of  the 
competitive  system.  A  system,  which  they  have  ac 
cepted  without  question  as  a  permanent  one,  never 
to  be  replaced  by  another.  This  was  the  fatal  error, 
which  has  robbed  their  conclusions  of  all  value. 

"In  discussing  the  status  of  our  great  cities,  these 


SOLARIS  FARM.  395 

writers  all  agree,  that  they  are  a  constant  menace  to 
the  nation ;  centers  of  political  corruption,  which  are 
in  every  way  antagonistic  to  the  letter  and  spirit  of 
a  republican  form  of  government ;  aggregations  of 
the  most  dangerous  elements  of  society,  which  are 
incapable  of  self-government.  These  admissions 
have  a  wonderful  significance.  Let  us  examine  them. 

"The  question  of  society,  becomes  a  potent  factor 
in  the  solution  of  this  problem.  Society,  like  a  great 
leviathan,  covers  the  face  of  our  country.  Repre 
senting  the  aggregate  of  life,  it  affects  all  lives.  As 
the  social  side  of  the  body  politic,  it  has  the  power 
to  strangle  or  to  nourish,  every  interest  which  is 
dear  to  those  lives.  Dominant  society,  is  the  sup 
port  and  inspiration  of  government.  The  excellence 
of  any  government,  may  be  measured  by  the  excel 
lence  of  the  society  upon  which  that  government  is 
based.  Under  the  standard  of  a  republic,  society 
may  be  divided  into  two  classes ;  the  true  and  the 
false.  Reasoning  from  these  premises,  we  may  con 
clude,  that  in  order  to  have  a  true  republic,  we  must 
first  evolve  a  true  society. 

"The  society  representing  the  competitive  system, 
has  its  centers  or  units  in  our  great  cities.  Its  vota 
ries,  are  worshippers  of  wealth.  They  are  importers 
of  foreign  fashions,  and  foreign  ideas  of  government. 
They  believe  in  caste.  They  detest  equality.  They 
have  no  love  and  very  little  respect  for  the  equal 
rights  guaranteed  by  the  Constitution.  They  de 
spise  honest  labor.  They  consider  it  menial,  as  a 
badge  of  servitude.  They  believe  that  wealth  is  a 
power  which  can  raise  the  wealthy  few  to  the  domi- 
nancy  of  a  privileged  class.  They  believe  that  as 
members  of  this  class,  they  can  treat  all  other  classes 
as  servitors  and  dependents,  who  may  be  hired  to  do 


396  SOLARIS  FARM. 

anything  for  money.  They  view  with  complacency, 
the  crowded  populations  of  our  great  cities.  The 
greater  and  more  dense  the  mass  of  people,  the 
larger,  more  dependent  and  more  obsequious  the 
class  of  servitors.  They  are  naturally,  more  or  less 
in  sympathy  with  monarchial  and  despotic  institu 
tions.  They  believe  that  the  rulers,  judges  and  law 
makers,  should  come  from  the  ranks  of  the  privi 
leged  class.  They  are  out  of  harmony  with  the  re 
public,  because  it  is  the  true  form  of  a  co-operative 
government,  Co-operation,  they  hate,  it  smacks  of 
equality!  They  are  devoted  to  the  competitive  sys 
tem.  They  recognize  its  power  to  maintain  a  per 
petual  warfare  among  competitors,  which  shall  for 
ever  keep  the  main  host  in  such  abject  poverty,  that 
they  willingly  become  slaves  to  the  wealthy.  Having 
lost  their  independence,  the  votes  of  these  competi 
tors  ara  at  the  command  of  their  financial  masters. 
Than  this,  nothing  could  be  more  harmful  to  the 
welfare  of  a  true  republic. 

"This  form  of  urban  society,  is  the  flower  of  the 
competitive  system.  The  tendency  of  this  society 
is  to  so  engender  selfishness,  and  to  so  destroy  patri 
otism,  that  a  multi-millionaire  of  the  William  Waldorf 
Astor  type,  deliberately  achieves  the  acme  of  shame, 
by  renouncing  his  allegiance  to  a  country  to  which  he 
owes  everything.  He  expatriates  himself,  and  flies 
to  the  refuge  of  a  monarchy,  to  escape  the  honest 
burden  of  a  just  taxation.  A  taxation  based  on  an 
assessment  of  less  than  one-third  the  rate,  which  is 
applied  to  the  average  farmer  of  the  republic.  One 
example  of  such  ignominy,  ought  to  teach  every 
patriot,  that  the  true  republic  must  be  built  on  the 
solid  foundation  of  a  society  and  industrial  system, 
which  represents  justice  and  equality. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  397 

"Let  us  now  question  the  co-operative  movement, 
with  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  it~  fitness  to  become 
the  base  of  a  new  society,  and  also  the  proper  foun 
dation  for  a  true  republic.  In  a  society  growing  out 
of  the  co-operative  system,  as  our  rural  and  agricult 
ural  societies  may  now  do.  We  find  the  conditions 
are  reversed.  Labor,  is  the  badge  of  respectability. 
It  is  the  title  to  an  honorable  independence.  In  such 
a  society,  both  men  and  women  are  free.  All  are  co- 
operators,  none  are  servitors.  No  beggars !  No 
caste !  The  units  of  a  co-operative  society,  are 
sound  and  healthy  to  the  core.  Co-operation,  in 
sures  self -employment.  Self -employment  brings 
freedom,  ambition,  independence,  self-respect,  leisure 
and  education  ;  with  all  the  comforts  and  refinements 
of  life.  With  these  insured,  the  co-operator  cannot 
be  bought  or  corrupted  by  wealth.  Each  co-operator 
becomes  a  citizen,  who  without  fear  and  without  re 
straint,  may  speak,  write  and  vote,  in  accordance 
with  the  highest  dictates  of  conscience.  A  healthful 
degree  of  honorable,  self-sustaining  labor  for  all,  is 
the  key-note  of  this  social  organization.  Men  and 
women  are  placed  on  the  same  plane  of  equality, 
financially,  socially  and  industrially.  For  woman, 
this  is  a  matter  of  the  utmost  importance. 

"Productive  co-operative  labor,  crowns  woman 
with  a  self -supporting,  self-respecting  independence, 
which  emphasizes  her  freedom  from  every  form  of 
bondage.  In  this,  we  have  a  perfect  demonstration 
of  the  power  of  labor  to  bless  humanity.  Pro 
gressive  life  and  invigorating  labor,  go  hand  in  hand. 
One  is  the  complement  of  the  other.  Labor  as  natu 
rally  promotes  grace,  strength,  virtue  and  long  life; 
as  idleness  breeds  helplessness,  vice,  disease  and  ex 
tinction.  Here  we  discover  the  wisdom,  arid  the 


398  SOLARIS  FARM. 

universal  application  of  nature's  law  of  labor.  This 
law  demands,  that  women  who  wish  to  become 
mothers  of  a  dominant  race,  and  who  desire  to  secure 
perpetuity  and  progress  for  that  race,  must  take  an 
active  part  in  some  useful,  productive  labor.  If  we 
consider  the  significance  of  this  demand,  we  shall 
perceive,  that  any  form  of  social  or  industrial  organ 
ization  which  denies  this  right  to  woman,  or  which 
takes  from  her  the  opportunity,  the  necessity,  or  the 
desire  to  labor,  becomes  her  worst  enemy,  a  foe  to 
humanity,  that  is  conspiring  to  reduce  her  to  the 
degredation  of  a  helpless  dependent,  a  mere  parasite. 
In  her  declaration,  that  '  The  human  female  parasite, 
is  the  most  deadly  microbe  which  can  make  its  ap 
pearance  on  the  surface  of  any  social  organism ; ' 
Olive  Schreiner  has  summed  up  in  one  sentence,  the 
grave  danger  from  this  source  which  threatens  the 
race. 

"The  combined  and  marvelous  effects  of  the  co 
operative  system  and  society  on  the  woman  question, 
rightfully  places  that  industrial  and  social  system 
far  above  all  others,  in  the  choice  of  a  secure  basis 
for  the  foundation  of  a  true  republic.  In  fact,  George ! 
After  carefully  considering  the  bearings  of  the 
questions  involved,  I  feel  sure  that  you  will  heartily 
agree  with  me  in  the  assertion,  that  co-operative 
society,  is  the  very  embodiment  of  even  handed 
justice,  in  which  the  rights  of  all  are  considered. 
Furthermore,  you  will  be  willing  to  admit,  that  it 
teaches  the  value  of  labor,  and  how  to  discover  its 
uses  and  abuses.  In  eliminating  its  abuses,  it  will 
appear,  that  true  progress,  is  to  so  improve  and  in 
crease  the  ease  and  attractiveness  of  all  kinds  of 
labor,  that  they  can  no  longer  be  classed  as  toil,  or 
even  disagreeable  tasks.  This  then,  is  the  legitimate 


SOLARIS  FARM.  399 

field  of  inventive  genius.  Success  in  this  field  is 
assured,  because  it  is  in  harmony  with  all  laws  of 
progress.  Every  hardship,  every  difficulty  and  every 
danger,  which  is  eliminated  from  physical  labor,  in 
creases  in  the  same  proportion,  the  opportunity  and 
the  demand  for  mental  labor.  This  demonstrates 
the  action  of  nature's  law  of  compensation,  which 
in  elevating  the  character  of  labor,  maintains  its 
quantity." 

"Yes  Fillmore,  I  am  convinced!  I  am  willing  to 
admit  the  truth  of  the  assertions,  which  you  have 
made  concerning  co-operative  society,  as  the  result 
of  the  co-operative  movement.  No  doubt,  they  are 
destined  in  the  near  future  to  supersede  the  com 
petitive  system  and  the  city  society  which  grew  out 
of  it.  As  I  view  the  situation  now,  that  time  cannot 
come  too  quickly!  Yet,  there  is  one  point  which 
still  puzzles  me.  It  is  in  connection  with  the  rapid 
improvement  of  labor  saving  agricultural  machinery, 
which,  as  Josiah  Strong  says,  will  soon  enable  a  few 
farmers  to  do  all  the  farm  work,  forcing  all  other 
agriculturalists  to  seek  employment  in  manufacturing 
cities.  How  can  you  answer  that  argument,  from 
the  co-operative  standpoint  ?  " 

"That  is  a  pertinent  question  George,  to  which  CQ- 
operation  can  furnish  many  conclusive  answers.  Let 
us  consider  the  significance,  and  the  conclusiveness, 
of  some  of  the  following : 

_  "Under  the  co-operative  system,  every  new  labor- 
saving  machine  applied  to  agriculture,  means  just  so 
much  added  wealth  for  the  farm  colony.  It  affords 
that  much  additional  income,  for  active  workers ;  so 
much  more  money  to  swell  the  annuity  fund,  for  the 
retired  members ;  so  much  more  cash  capital,  for  the 
sinking  fund,  with  which  to  purchase,  and  to  retain 


400  SOLARIS  FARM. 

the  permanent  control,  of  an  ever-increasing  series 
of  co-operative  farms,  for  the  lasting  benefit  of  their 
people.  With  co-operative  genius  to  invent,  and  an 
abundance  of  capital  with  which  to  buy,  the  advent 
of  any  conceivable  quantity  of  improved  machinery 
on  the  co-operative  farm,  would  only  serve  to  in 
crease  the  wealth,  leisure  and  independence  of  the 
co-operators. 

"Such  well-conditioned  people  could  not,  under 
any  circumstances,  be  forced  to  leave  homes  of 
luxury  and  refinement  in  the  country,  to  become  the 
working  slaves  of  a  manufacturing  syndicate  in  the 
city.  Indeed!  Why  should  they?  Why  should  these 
co-operators,  or  any  one  with  the  opportunity  to  be 
come  such,  go  to  the  city  to  accept  an  insufficient  and 
uncertain  wage  ;  to  be  compelled  to  pay  five  prices 
for  food,  when  a  better  and  more  abundant  supply, 
could  be  raised  on  lands  of  their  own,  with  less  than 
one-half  the  exertion  ?  Having  good  homes  of  their 
own,  why  should  these  people  pay  exorbitant  rents 
to  owners  of  tenement  houses,  for  the  poor  privilege 
of  living  in  stuffy  rooms,  choked  with  smoke  and 
filth,  and  surrounded  by  the  clatter,  the  strife,  the 
poverty  and  the  soul-wearing  competition  of  the 
great  city. 

"Why  should  they  rob  their  children  of  health  and 
happiness,  by  depriving  them  of  a  natural  birth 
right,  healthful  exercise,  free  access  to  the  pure 
air,  the  bright  sunshine,  the  blue  sky  and  the  un 
numbered  charms  of  country  life,  with  its  fascination 
of  ever  changing  landscape,  a  picturesque  mingling 
of  verdure  clad  hills,  green  meadows,  shady  forests, 
clear  lakes  and  bold  mountains  ?  Why  should  these 
children  be  compelled  to  live  a  cramped,  unnatural 
life,  confined  to  the  narrow  streets,  poisoned  both 


SOLARIS  FARM.  401 

mentally  and  physically,  by  the  foul  air,  disease, 
corruption,  crime  and  misery  of  the  densely  popu 
lated  city?  Why  should  agriculturists,  who  are  in 
dependent  cooperative  owners  of  the  soil,  humiliate 
themselves  by  joining  the  vast  army  of  struggling 
competitors,  who  throng  the  already  overcrowded 
labor  market  in  our  great  cities  ?  Why  should 
they  be  eager  to  become  the  financial  and  political 
slaves  of  the  leaders  of  the  competitive  system ;  the 
social  autocrats,  who  form  the  society  of  the  'Pour 
Hundred  ? '  » 

"Can  a  Josiah  Strong  answer  these  questions? 
No  !  Why  not  ?  Because,  in  blindly  reasoning  and 
writing  from  the  competitive  standpoint,  he  has 
quite  overlooked  the  fact  that  agriculture  is  the  base 
-of  all  wealth.  He  has  forgotten,  that  as  a  class, 
agricultural  people  who  own  the  farming  lands  of 
the  country,  hold  the  key  to  the  situation.  Made 
conscious  of  their  strength  by  co-operation,  they  are 
the  most  independent  people  living.  They  are  in  a 
position  to  dictate  terms  to  all  other  classes.  They 
cannot  be  forced  to  do  anything,  which  they  do  not 
wish  to  do.  In  arriving  at  his  conclusions,  it  seems 
quite  probable  that  Josiah  Strong  has  made  the 
serious  mistake  of  accepting  as  true,  a  very  prevalent 
idea,  that  in  due  course  of  business,  (competitive 
business)  all  lands  everywhere,  would  belong  to  the 
city  capitalist ;  therefore,  that  all  farmers  would 
then  be  tenants  at  will,  who  could  be  turned  off  the 
land  at  the  caprice  of  the  owner.  In  this  fatal 
mistake,  we  discover  the  error  which  has  vitiated  all 
premises  from  which  he  has  been  reasoning. 

"Thanks  to  the  forceful  lessons,  taught  by  Henry 
George,  to  which  our  agricultural  people  have  given 
two  decades  of  careful  study.  They  have  learned, 


402  SOLARIS  FARM. 

that  free  access  to  land,  is  absolutely  necessary  to  a 
natural  enjoyment  of  life.  They  have  learned,  that 
for  this  reason,  those  who  own  land  are  musters  of 
those  who  do  not.  With  a  sturdy  independence 
which  should  characterize  all  citizens  of  a  true  re 
public,  they  have  an  intense  antipathy  towards  all 
forms  of  slavery.  Determined  to  remain  free ;  they 
have  redoubled  their  efforts  to  possess,  and  to  retain 
permanent  control  of  lands,  sufficient  for  themselves 
and  their  children.  In  this  work,  they  have  dis 
covered  that  co-operation  leads  to  perfect  success. 

"In  answering  other  arguments  advanced  to  show 
why  the  city  should  dominate  the  country,  and  there 
fore  absorb  its  population ;  the  question  of  rent  plays 
an  important  part.  It  should  be  studied  carefully. 
The  law  of  rent,  is  an  enigma  to  the  poorer  classes, 
upon  whose  necks  its  yoke  presses  as  a  grievous 
burden.  They  sweat  and  groan  under  the  burden, 
but  can  discover  no  way  of  escape.  They  must  be 
educated.  They  must  know  the  cause,  before  they 
can  learn  to  avoid  the  effect. 

"Rent,  is  a  legal  harness  which  enables  the  cap 
italist  who  owns  houses  and  lands,  to  bind  needy 
people  to  do  his  work.  Through  the  exactions  of 
rent,  he  can  compel  these  people  who  can  least  afford 
to  do  it,  to  pay  his  taxes,  his  interest  on  capital  in 
vested,  his  living  expenses,  his  traveling  expenses, 
his  insurance  and  such  wide  margins  of  profit?,  as 
necessity,  opportunity  and  favorable  location,  may 
allow  him  to  take.  Rent  values,  like  land  values 
and  market  values,  are  exponents  of  social  organi 
zation.  Human  lives,  enter  into  the  equation  of 
these  values.  The  absence  of  people  diminishes 
these  values,  the  presence  of  people  increases  them. 
For  this  reason,  rents  are  highest  in  great  cities, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  403 

lowest  in  the  sparsely  settled  country,  touching  zero 
on  lands  occupied  by  nomads.  Land  values,  are 
affected  in  the  same  way.  This  will  give  us  a  clue, 
to  the  transitory  character  of  wealth  composed  of 
values.  It  will  give  us  another  reason,  for  the 
shrinkage  in  value  of  farm  lands,  and  the  increased 
wealth  of  cities ;  which  follows  the  migration  of 
people  from  country  to  city. 

"We  may  now  consider  another  important  factor, 
which  affects  rent  values  in  great  cities.  It  is  the 
spur  of  a  sharp  want,  of  the  urgent  necessity  of 
helplessness,  which  must  drive  and  control  the  actions 
of  a  large  majority  of  the  inhabitants.  The  presence 
of  these  elements  is  necessary,  in  order  to  create  the 
highest  markets  for  rents.  The  larger  the  throng 
and  the  keener  the  necessities  of  the  crowd  of 
bidders  competing,  the  higher  the  prices  they  will 
pay  for  rent.  Under  the  reign  of  the  competitive 
system,  this  is  a  conclusive  demonstration  of  the 
truth  of  the  saying,  'That  the  necessities  of  the 
poor,  are  the  opportunities  of  the  rich. '  Is  anything 
further  needed,  to  prove  that  the  competitive  system 
is  the  essence  of  a  cruel  barbarism,  which  blots  the 
civilization  and  shames  the  humanity  of  the  republic? 
Why  not  change  it  for  the  co-operative  system  ? 

"Under  the  progressive  and  beneficent  reign  of 
co-operation,  there  would  be  homes  for  the  homeless, 
land  for  the  landless,  work  for  the  unemployed  and 
independence  for  all.  This  would  mean,  a  total 
absence  of  want ;  that  imperative  spur,  which  is  so 
necessary  to  the  life  of  competition. 

"Transportation  and  taxation,  are  two  factors  yet 
unnoticed,  which  materially  affect  rent  values  in 
great  cities. 

"Taking  up  the  question  of  transportation;   we 


404  SOLARIS  FARM. 

soon  discover  its  importance.  The  great  manufac 
turing  city,  is  the  center  of  a  complete  network  of 
railroads.  The  inhabitants  of  the  city,  are  at  the 
mercy  of  these  railroads.  Nominally,  they  are  sup 
posed  to  be  competing  lines.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  by 
means  of  traffic  association,  they  become  one  huge, 
consolidated  monopoly.  A  monopoly  so  dangerous,  so 
powerful,  so  unscrupulous,  and  so  voracious,  that  it 
does  not  hesitate  in  fixing  and  maintaining  rates  so 
exorbitant,  as  to  be  actually  prohibitory,  at  least  so 
far  as  two-thirds  of  the  city  dwellers  are  concerned. 
Meanwhile  the  monopoly  arbitrarily  depresses  rents 
and  land  values  in  the  country,  while  it  increases 
them  in  the  city. 

"Let  me  give  you  an  illustration  of  the  methods, 
by  which  these  results  are  accomplished.  Take  if 
you  please,  the  case  of  an  average  city,  factory- 
worker  ;  receiving  an  average  wage  of  one  dollar  and 
fifty  cents  per  day.  On  this  wage,  he  has  a  family 
to  support.  In  the  country,  thirty  miles  away,  he 
can  have  a  comfortable  house,  with  a  nice  large 
garden,  for  the  moderate  rent  of  five  dollars  per 
month.  A  most  desirable  home !  But,  here  comes 
the  opportunity  for  the  railroad !  A  ten  cent  fare 
each  way,  six  days  in  the  week,  would  pay  the  rail 
road  a  handsome  profit.  But,  a  handsome  profit  does 
not  satisfy  a  monopoly!  The  handsome  profit  must 
be  doubled  six  times,  before  it  will  consent  to  serve 
the  public  !  As  a  result,  this  workman,  not  having 
the  ready  cash  with  which  to  purchase  a  monthly 
commutation  ticket,  must  pay  to  the  monopoly,  at 
its  lowest  rate  (two  cents  per  mile)  the  gross  amount 
of  one  dollar  and  twenty  cents  per  day  for  transpor 
tation.  Subtract  this  sum  from  the  workman's  daily 
wage;  there  will  remain  the  scant  trifle  of  thirty 


SOLARIS  FARM.  405 

cents,  with  which  to  pay  bills  for  food,  fuel,  clothing, 
medicine  and  other  family  expenses.  Utterly  im 
possible  !  Even  if  the  owner  of  the  country  house 
and  lot,  should  consent  to  reduce  its  price  and  its 
rent  one-half,  the  workman  would  still  be  prohibited 
by  the  railroad,  from  taking  advantage  of  the  re 
duction.  He  would  gladly  pay  the  ten  cent  fare,  for 
then  he  would  be  able  to  pay  ten  dollars  per  month 
rent,  for  the  luxury  of  occupying  such  a  desirable 
country  home.  This  would  be  a  blessing  to  all  in 
terested  parties ;  still,  it  cannot  be,  because  the 
monopoly  says  no !  Being  a  monopoly  under  the 
protection  of  the  competitive  system,  its  dictates 
may  not  be  questioned. 

"Although,  the  case  cited,  may  be  duplicated  a 
thousand  times,  every  day  in  the  week,  in  every 
large  city  of  the  republic ;  yet,  everywhere,  on  all 
possible  occasions,  the  common  sense  of  the  people 
is  outraged,  and  their  ears  offended,  by  the  loud 
shouts  of  the  competitive  leaders,  who  praise  with 
out  stint  the  great  usefulness  of  the  monopolistic 
trust.  Solemn  as  owls,  with  an  air  of  great  learn 
ing,  they  assure  the  people  that  these  beneficent 
trusts,  are  the  natural  outgrowth  of  high-grade  busi 
ness  methods,  which  must  be  let  alone.  Do  the  poor 
people,  the  farmers,  the  country  land  owners,  and 
the  working  men,  join  in  these  shoutings  ?  Obviously 
and  most  assuredly,  they  do  not ! 

*  'Let  us  now  follow  our  factory  workman  back  to  the 
city,  for  the  purpose  of  noting  the  effect  of  this  mo 
nopolized  transportation,  on  city  rents.  Baffled  in 
his  desire  to  live  in  the  country,  he  seeks  to  make 
the  best  of  a  bad  situation.  As  a  consequence,  he  is 
obliged  to  pay  to  the  owner  of  some  tenement  house, 
a  rental  of  fifteen  dollars  per  month  for  thiee  small 


406  SOLARIS  FARM. 

rooms  ;  poorly  ventilated,  unfurnished  and  unheated. 
These  rooms  are  so  undesirable  on  account  of  difficult 
access,  bad  location,  unsavory  smells,  and  the  im 
mediate  presence  of  other  tenants  in  the  house,  who 
are  quarrelsome,  drunken,  filthy  and  generally  dis 
reputable  ;  that  but  for  the  prohibitory  tariff  main 
tained  by  the  railroads  they  would  remain  unoccupied, 
even  if  the  rent  should  be  reduced  to  seven  dollars 
and  fifty  cents  per  month.  However,  poor  workmen 
receiving  scant  wages,  may  not  expect  to  be  choosers. 
They  with  their  wives  and  children,  must  ever 
bravely  strive  to  adjust  themselves  to  their  environ 
ments,  which  more  often  than  otherwise,  prove 
cruelly  bitter  and  oppressive. 

"In  the  case  of  our  artisan,  who  is  a  brave,  in 
dustrious,  hopeful  fellow ;  after  paying  his  rent,  he 
will  have  left  from  his  monthly  wages,  the  small  sum 
of  twenty-one  dollars.  Providing  of  course,  that 
throughout  the  month,  he  has  been  so  fortunate  as 
to  remain  well  and  to  lose  no  time.  With  this 
amount,  (seventy  cents  per  day)  he  must  manage  as 
best  he  can,  under  such  adverse  circumstances,  to 
feed, warm,  clothe,  shoe,  and  protect  his  family.  With 
such  a  meagre  sum  to  supply  so  many  wants,  it  is 
impossible  for  him,  even  under  the  most  favorable 
circumstances,  to  make  petty  savings  with  which  to 
meet  emergencies.  When  the  misfortune  of  sickness 
overtakes  him,  the  situation  becomes  appalling ! 

"From  this  illustration,  we  may  judge  how  much 
the  city  is  indebted  to  the  railroad  monopoly  for  its 
high  rents.  To  great  cities,  high  rent  is  a  matter 
of  the  utmost  importance.  Take  all  rent  advantages 
from  them,  and  the  entire  list  of  their  manufacturing 
industries,  could  be  carried  on  in  country  villages 
with  equal  profit.  It  is  quite  evident  then,  that 


SOLARIS  FARM.  407 

these  cities  are  alive  to  the  fact  that  rent  is  a 
measure  of  the  value  of  locations." 

"Before  going  farther,  Fillmore,  allow  me  to  in 
quire  !  Why  could  not  these  working  men  and  their 
families,  who  are  confined  to  the  city  by  the  high 
rates  of  the  railroad  monopoly,  find  cheap  country 
homes  near  the  city;  say  within  a  radius  of  from  five 
to  ten  miles  ?  " 

"  Thank  you  George,  for  such  an  opportune 
question  !  Its  answer  leads  directly  to  a  discussion 
of  the  question  of  taxation. 

"A  land  monopoly,  is  more  to  be  feared,  more 
harmful  to  the  poor  and  more  disastrous  to  the 
interests  of  the  general  public,  than  any  other  kind. 
The  worst  form  of  land  monopoly,  may  be  found  in 
full  force,  along  the  outskirts  of  large  cities.  These 
monopolies  are  made  possible,  by  the  unjust  appli 
cation  of  a  faulty  system  of  taxation. 

"As  a  preliminary  step,  a  hungry  host  of  individual 
capitalists  and  land  syndicates,  proceed  to  purchase 
large  tracts  of  adjacent  lands  at  farm  prices.  These 
lands  are  then  sub-divided  into  villa  sites,  and  into 
a  variety  of  sizes  of  town  lots.  Prices  are  placed  on 
these  lots,  which  would  about  equal  the  value  of  the 
ground,  when  in  course  of  time,  at  the  edge  of  the 
city,  they  should  be  covered  by  dwellings  or  business 
houses.  This  accomplished,  the  holders  like  cormo 
rants,  sit  and  wait  for  the  growth  of  the  city  and  the 
efforts  and  capital  of  other  people,  to  so  increase  the 
value  of  their  holdings,  that  they  can  realize  their 
prices  and  take  their  profits.  These  periods  of 
waiting,  may  cover  a  long  time,  often,  from  one  to 
twenty  years.  Meanwhile,  these  monopolized  lands 
arc  kept  out  of  use,  because  on  account  of  high 
price,  they  cannot  be  used  for  agricultural  purposes. 


408  SOLARIS  FARM. 

"Why  can  these  land  monopolists  afford  to  wait 
so  long  ?  Because  an  inequitable  system  of  taxation, 
discriminates  in  their  favor ;  offering  aid  and  en 
couragement  for  them  to  do  so.  Without  this  aid,  it 
would  be  impossible  to  keep  these  lands  out  of  use. 

"How  can  this  happen?  In  the  first  place,  these 
sub-divided  lands,  as  a  whole  in  large  tracts,  are 
assessed  at  the  rural  rates  applied  to  unused  and 
unoccupied  lands.  These  assessed  values,  may  be 
so  low,  as  to  be  less  than  one  per  cent  of  the  asking 
price  of  the  lots.  As  time  passes,  they  are  liable  to 
be  slowly  increased.  Under  such  a  discriminating 
system  of  assessment,  the  taxes  that  may  be  col 
lected,  are  merely  nominal.  This  unequal  system 
of  taxation,  is  applied,  in  a  proportionate  degree,  to 
all  unoccupied  lands  inside  the  city  limits,  which  are 
held  out  of  use  by  the  land  speculators. 

"How  does  this  state  of  affairs  affect  city  rents, 
and  at  the  same  time,  assist  in  preventing  the  poorer 
classes  from  enjoying  the  advantage  of  country 
homes  ?  First,  it  establishes  a  broad  zone  of  mo 
nopolized  land  around  the  city.  This  zone  continues 
to  increase  in  width  with  the  growth  of  the  city. 
Scattered  through  this  zone,  are  many  tracts  of 
farming  lands  in  active  use.  For  this  reason,  they 
have  to  bear  an  extra  burden  of  taxes,  in  order  to 
equalize  the  low  rates  on  such  large  tracts  of  idle 
land.  These  heavy  taxes  are  patiently  borne  by  the 
resident  farmers,  with  the  hope  of  reimbursement  in 
the  near  future,  by  being  able  to  sell  their  farms  for 
extraordinary  prices.  In  this  way,  abnormal  prices 
become  firmly  established  throughout  the  zone; 
which  like  some  great  barrier  most  effectively  con 
fines  the  working  man  and  his  family,  to  the  narrow 
limits  of  a  city  tenement,  with  its  high  rents. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  409 

"If  a  builder  with  some  idle  capital,  should  wish 
to  erect  a  considerable  number  of  modest  cottages, 
within  the  limits  of  this  monopolized  zone  ;  with  the 
purpose  of  renting  them  to  working  men  ;  he  would 
find  it  impossible,  or  at  least  impractible  to  do  so. 
Why?  Because  he  would  have  to  pay  almost  city 
prices  for  the  ground  ;  then,  having  covered  the  lots 
with  houses,  he  would  be  obliged  to  pay  a  heavy 
penalty  for  this  outlay  of  capital,  by  the  grievous 
burden  of  taxation,  which  would  fall  upon  him. 
Houses  built  under  these  circumstances,  could  not  be 
let  at  a  rent  low  enough  to  be  within  the  means  of 
the  working  man. 

"The  number  of  people  who  are  confined  to  city 
life  by  the  causes  named,  is  very  large  Just  how 
large,  I  have  no  means  of  ascertaining.  Families, 
who  are  subsisting  on  incomes  of  ten  dollars  per 
week  and  less,  furnish  a  large  proportion  of  this 
number. 

"We  have  seen  that  the  disastrous  crowding, 
the  alarming  density  of  our  large  city  populations, 
is  mainly  due  to  two  causes.  High  transportation, 
caused  by  the  railroad  combine  ;  and  an  outrageous 
land  monopoly,  made  possible  by  a  bad  system  of 
taxation.  We  have  seen,  that  this  dense  mass  of 
needy  humanity,  constantly  creates  such  a  fierce 
competition,  that  rents  must  grow  higher  and  wages 
must  grow  lower.  We  have  seen,  that  the  causes 
named,  are  steadily  diminishing  the  wealth  of  rural 
sections,  by  transferring  it  to  the  great  city.  We 
have  seen  that  this  whole  movement,  which  tends  to 
transform  the  great  majority  of  the  independent 
citizens  of  a  republic,  into  the  financial  slaves  of  an 
oligarchy,  is  the  natural  outgrowth  of  the  com 
petitive  system.  Tavght  by  history,  we  know,  that 


410  SOLARIS  FARM. 

as  the  oligarchy  rises  and  reigns,  the  republic  dies. 

"Knowing  the  causes  which  have  produced  these 
conditions,  we  are  prepared  to  discover,  and  to 
apply  the  most  efficient  remedies.  It  is  only  by 
associated  effort,  that  rural  populations  can  success 
fully  oppose  the  concentration  of  wealth  in  cities. 
The  well  organized  mass,  becomes  a  great  power. 
The  new  century  demands  a  new  industrial  organi 
zation.  The  co-operative  system,  answers  the  de 
mand.  It  is  in  harmony  with  the  idea,  that  life  is 
the  most  precious  of  all  things.  Therefore,  it  recog 
nizes  that  opportunity  to  labor,  and  to  enjoy  the 
fruits  of  that  labor,  is  the  highest  privilege  of  life. 
Under  the  reign  of  co-operation,  this  is  insured. 
United  in  congenial  co-operative  associations,  farm 
ing  and  working  people  in  the  country,  reinforced 
by  large  numbers  of  recruits  from  cities,  may  build 
up  for  themselves,  new  centers  of  combined  in 
dustries,  society,  wealth,  distribution,  exchange,  edu 
cation,  amusement  and  insurance ;  which  will  place 
them  in  the  ranks  of  the  self-employed,  who  are 
financially  and  politically  free.  By  growth  and  ex 
pansion,  these  centers  will  become  the  units  of  a 
vast  co-operative  system,  which  must  soon  wholly 
displace  the  competitive.  ; 

"The  inspiring  motive  of  this  co-operative  system, 
will  be  the  elevation  and  perfection  of  human  lives. 
To  this  end  will  tend  the  invention  of  every  labor- 
saving  machine  ;  increasing  the  product  and  shorten 
ing  the  hours  of  labor.  With  the  physical  man  thus 
properly  nourished  and  developed ;  the  intellectual 
and  spiritual  man,  will  for  the  first  time  in  history, 
have  the  necessary  conditions  in  which  to  expand, 
blossom  and  bear  fruit. ,  Under  such  circumstances, 
life  in  the  country  will  be  both  altruistic  and  ideal- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  411 

istic.  By  comparison,  life  in  cities  will  become  a 
hardship  which  few  will  care  to  choose.  The  few, 
it  may  be  taken  for  granted,  will  be  so  bound  to  the 
wheels  of  Mammon  that  they  cannot  get  away. 

"The  larger  independence  and  better  education  of 
the  co-operative  majority  of  voters,  will  soon  enable 
them  to  find  a  relief  for  the  imprisoned  populations 
of  cities,  which  are  now  confined  by  the  pressure  of 
land  monopolies  and  railroad  combines.  They  will 
see  to  it,  that  these  railroads  become  the  property 
of  the  government;  well  knowing  that  they  can 
never  be  made  to  serve  the  public  honestly,  until 
the  public  owns  them.  As  for  the  land  monopolists, 
they  will  find  their  holdings  so  burdened  with  taxes, 
that  they  can  no  longer  keep  them  out  of  use.  The 
erection  of  fine  buildings  will  be  encouraged.  Costly 
mansions,  dwellings,  or  factories,  will  not  increase 
the  tax.  With  these  barriers  removed,  the  densely 
packed  populations  will  quickly  expand.  They  will 
fly  from  center  to  circumference  of  the  city.  Later, 
they  will  be  attracted  to  the  country  village,  where 
more  congenial  homes  and  employments  await  them. 
Then  educated  and  emancipated,  they  will  no  longer 
pay  rent. 

"We  have  seen  that  the  economics  of  society 
vitally  affect  the  status  of  human  lives  ;  physically, 
morally  and  spiritually;  industrially,  financially  and 
politically. 

"We  have  seen,  that  rural  society,  based  on  the 
co-operative  farm  colony  as  a  unit ;  answers  every 
demand  for  the  protection  and  development  of  human 
life.  We  have  seen  that  the  inspiration  of  this 
society,  is  to  secure  for  all,  a  lasting  reign  of  peace, 
plenty,  harmony  and  progress  ;  a  most  convincing 
proof,  that  it  is  the  ideal  society  on  which  to  build  a 


412  SOLARIS  FARM. 

true  republic,  that   shall  be   self-sustaining. 

'  'We  have  seen  that  the  perfect  emancipation  of 
woman,  and  the  exalted  motherhood,  which  is  made 
possible  by  the  advantages  of  the  co-operative  sys 
tem,  insures  the  permanency  and  the  dominancy  of 
a  republic  so  supported. 

4 '  In  analyzing  the  workings  of  the  competitive  sys 
tem,  we  have  seen  that  its  methods  are  those  of  war. 
In  the  never-ending  struggle  of  competing  strife, 
opposing  armies  of  human  beings  slowly  grind  each 
other  to  death ;  leaving  unaccomplished  the  real 
object  and  purpose  of  life.  This  enormous  waste  of 
life,  violates  every  principle  of  a  republican  form  of 
government.  It  aborts  even  the  efforts  of  planetary 
evolution. 

"We  have  seen  that  the  competitive  system  pro 
duces  monopolies  and  trusts,  with  a  constantly  in 
creasing  tendency  to  concentrate  wealth  in  cities; 
placing  it  in  the  hands  of  the  few,  who  are  the 
financial  masters  of  the  many. 

"We  have  seen  that  from  the  ranks  of  the  wealthy 
few,  come  the  leaders  of  competitive  society,  who 
make  their  strong  holds  in  the  great  city.  They  are 
the  shining  lights  of  the  competitive  system.  They 
believe  in  a  constant  warfare  of  competition,  which 
brings  suffering  to  the  many  and  success  to  the  few. 
We  have  seen  that  a  surfeit  of  wealth  and  power, 
has  made  these  leaders  so  despicably  selfish  and 
unpatriotic,  that  they  are  unwilling  to  pay  a  just 
proportion  of  tax  for  support  of  the  government. 

"We  have  seen  that  the  monopolist,  encouraged  by 
the  sympathy  of  competitive  society,  endeavors  to  mo 
nopolize  administrative  and  executive  functions.  By 
means  of  unequal  rates  of  taxation,  and  more  especi 
ally  of  unjust  assessments,  he  is  able  to  shift  most 


SOLARIS  FARM.  413 

of  his  taxes  to  the  shoulders  of  farmers  and  small 
property  holders  in  state,  county  and  town.  This 
outrageous  evasion  by  the  rich,  of  their  just  share 
of  the  burdens  of  government,  is  shameful  to  the 
last  degree  !  It  robs  the  poor  of  all  protection,  that 
governments  are  bound  to  offer !  It  is  a  crime 
against  humanity !  It  is  a  sin  against  the  perpetuity 
of  the  republic  !  It  is  anarchy !  If  a  government  is 
no  longer  able  to  protect  its  poor;  then,  such  a 
government  has  forfeited  all  right  to  exist ! 

1  'We  have  seen  that  a  true  government,  republican 
in  form,  is  a  co-operat;ve  institution,  which  must  be 
based  on  justice,  and  equal  rights,  for  all ;  thus 
recognizing  the  common  brotherhood  of  humanity. 
Organized  and  maintained  for  the  purpose  of  con 
serving,  developing  and  protecting  life;  such  a 
government,  would  at  all  times  be  guided  by  the 
beacon  light  of  the  axiom,  '  That  the  injury  of  one 
is  the  concern  of  all.'  It  would  wisely  measure  its 
strength  and  perfection  as  a  government,  by  the 
strength  and  perfection  of  its  weakest  unit. 

"We  have  seen  that  with  members  of  competitive 
society,  the  accumulation  of  wealth,  becomes  the 
sole  ambition  of  life ;  that  they  may  enjoy  the  ease, 
luxury  and  social  power  which  follows.  We  have 
seen  that  wealth  develops  selfishness  and  idleness. 
Idleness  breeds  helplessness,  vice,  disease,  and  ex 
tinction.  The  predominance  of  such  a  society,  would 
mean  the  death  of  the  republic. 

"Having  compared  the  merits  and  demerits  of  the 
two  industrial  systems,  and  of  their  closely  related 
societies ;  taking  it  for  granted,  that  as  the  highest 
expression  of  social  evolution,  the  republic  must 
endure ;  which,  George,  do  you  think  will  prove  the 
true  system,  the  true  society,  that  must  predominate; 


414  SOLARIS  FARM. 

that  must  naturally  develop  most  social  and  political 
power;  most  perfect  conditions  of  life;  most  hap 
piness  ?  " 

"There  can  be  but  one  answer,  Fillmore  !  The  co 
operative  is  the  true  system,  and  the  true  society! 
You  have  made  it  very  plain  that  the  republic  cannot 
endure  without  them.  It  is  equally  evident,  that 
with  restraining  influences  removed,  city  populations 
in  a  large  measure,  will  again  return  to  the  country 
for  homes ;  attracted  thither  by  the  many  advantages 
offered  by  co-operative  village  life." 

"Speaking  of  homes,  George,  reminds  me  that  I 
must  now  confer  with  you  in  regard  to  a  personal 
matter,  which  may  affect  your  work  and  your  welfare 
for  many  years.  This  is  the  fifteenth  of  September. 
You  have  now  been  in  Solaris,  a  little  over  one  month, 
with  an  opportunity  to  study  the  co-operative  move 
ment  quite  extensively.  I  believe  you  are  in  harmony 
with  it ;  and  can  do  a  good  work  for  it. 

"This  office,  as  you  know,  is  the  present  head 
quarters  of  the  general  movement.  Tomorrow  I  am 
going  East,  to  be  absent  at  least  one  month,  perhaps 
three.  I  wish  you,  as  my  private  secretary,  to  at 
once  take  charge  of  the  office.  I  can  offer  you  a 
salary  of  $1,500  for  the  first  year.  The  office  staff 
is  a  capable  one,  which  will  make  your  work  quite 
light.  I  have  made  arrangements  with  Mr.  snd  Mrs. 
Gerrish  and  with  Miss  Houghton,  to  co-operate  with 
you  as  advisers.  Since  the  first  establishment  of 
the  office,  Miss  Houghton  has  so  often  volunteered 
to  assist  me,  that  she  is  now  familiar  with  the 
routine  work.  Finally,  I  shall  at  all  times  while  away, 
be  within  reach  by  phone  or  wire  ;  by  which  I  wish 
you  to  consult  me  whenever  occasion  may  demand. 
What  say  you,  George !  Can  you  accept  my  proposal  ?  " 


SOLARIS  FARM.  415 

"Yes,  Fillmore,  I  accept  without  one  moment's 
hesitation !  I  shall  be  delighted  with  the  oppor 
tunity  to  work  for  the  interests  of  co-operation. 
You  may  trust  me  to  do  my  best ! 

"By  the  way,  Fillmore!  I  take  it  for  granted, 
that  before  you  return  you  will  meet  Miss  Fenwick, 
and  her  Iriend  Mrs.  Bainbridge,  if  so,  please  present 
my  regards." 

"I  shall  not  forget  your  message,  friend  Gaylord  ! 
Miss  Fenwick  is  now  at  Fairy-Fern-Cottage,  on  the 
Hudson.  She  will  meet  me  at  Fenwick  Hall,  in 
Washington,  where  we  are  to  be  married  on  the 
twentieth  day  of  this  month. 

"The  wedding  is  to  be  strictly  private  and  in 
formal,  only  Miss  Fenwick's  attorneys  are  to  be 
present  as  the  necessary  witnesses.  After  the  wed 
ding,  the  customary  tour  will  be  omitted ;  leaving 
us  free  to  remain  at  Fenwick  Hall,  until  the  in 
spiration  of  the  moment  brings  the  choice  of  some 
mountain  or  sea-side  resort. 

"I  shall  expect  you,  George,  to  mail  weekly  re 
ports  from  the  office,  to  Fenwick  Hall.  Wire  me 
for  instructions,  whenever  you  are  in  doubt." 

"I  shall  obey  your  wishes  to  the  letter,  Fill- 
more  !  What  you  tell  me  of  tfie  coming  wedding,  is 
glorious  news !  I  congratulate  you  with  all  my 
heart,  on  your  great  good  fortune  !  You  deserve  it ; 
you  have  well  earned  it !  " 


416  SOLARIS  FARM. 

CHAPTER  XLIII. 

A   TWENTIETH    CENTURY    HONEYMOON. 

AT  FENWICK  HALL,  in  the  early  twilight  of  their 
wedding  day,  we  find  our  hero  and  heroine,  the  bride 
and  groom,  now  husband  and  wife.  They  are  sitting 
side  by  side,  hand  in  hand,  looking  forth  from  the 
large  southern  window  of  that  magnificent  tower 
room,  hitherto  known  as  the  private  retreat  of  Fern 
Fenwick.  The  outlook  from  that  window  was  a 
revelation  of  beauty,  as  perfect  as  a  dream  of  fairy 
land. 

As  the  twilight  deepened,  high  in  the  southern 
sky,  the  full-orbed  splendor  of  a  September  moon, 
glorified  with  its  soft  radiance,  the  marked  beauty 
of  the  Capital  City — the  Pearl  City  of  the  republic. 
From  the  mysterious  depths  of  stilly  night,  inten 
sifying  the  soothing  charm  of  moonlight ;  there  came 
softly  stealing  through  the  open  window,  the  balmy 
airs  of  evening,  laden  with  the  fragrant  breath  of  a 
thousand  flowers.  From  the  Aqueduct  Bridge  to 
Fort  Foote,  a  long  line,  of  brilliant  light,  with  many 
a  graceful  curve,  marked  the  pathway  of  the  broad 
Potomac,  whose  unruffled  bosom  shone  like  a  mirror 
of  burnished  silver.  Stretching  across  the  valley 
from  distant  heights,  a  fleecy  veil  of  enchantment 
woven  in  the  loom  of  mist,  etherealized  city  and 
river,  dome  and  monument,  tower  and  steeple,  cottage 
and  castle ;  adding  a  weird  beauty  to  the  magnificent 
array  of  public  buildings,  which  owned  the  Capitol 
and  the  Library  as  chief.  Above  and  beyond  all 
else  in  its  unapproachable  glory,  the  Dome  of  the 
Capitol  in  the  mellow,  hazy  moonlight,  shone  re- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  417 

splendent  as  a  matchless  crown  to  the  architecture 
of  the  Occident !  • 

Responsive  to  the  spell  woven  by  the  fairy  fingers 
of  moonlight,  in  which  soul  and  sense  sink  to  the 
spiritual  repose  of  that  serene  calm,  where  in  silance, 
happiness  of  the  purest  type  best  expresses  Itself ; 
these  newly  wedded  lovers,  living  in  the  inner  world, 
lost  to  the  outer,  remained  motionless  and  absorbed 
in  the  ecstasy  of  contemplation. 

Pern  was  the  first  to  break  the  silence.  She  said : 
"My  dear  Fillmore  !  Tell  me,  is  this  the  beginning 
of  some  reign  of  enchantment  ?  The  culmination  o^f 
love's  dream  ?  Are  we  waking  or  dreaming  ?  Can 
it  be  possible,  that  this  glorious  moonlight,  so  au 
spiciously  ushering  in  our  honeymoon,  is  typical  and 
indicative  of  its  endurance,  of  its  unalloyed  bright 
ness  ?  " 

"My  wife  !  Chosen  one  of  all  women  !  Your  de 
voted  lover  for  six  years ;  having  passed  the  stage 
of  love  at  first  sight,  hopeless  love,  worshiping  love 
from  afar,  patient  love,  love  requited  and  love  re 
warded  ;  I  am  now  so  happy,  so  unspeakably  optim 
istic,  that  I  accept  without  question  the  happy 
augury  of  enchanted  moonlight,  as  being  truly  pro 
phetic.  Besides,  having  a  wife  so  noble,  so  good 
and  so  wise,  to  make  it  possible;  how  could  our 
honeymoon  be  other  than  the  most  delightful  ever 
known  to  the  history  of  love?  You  may  trust  me, 
dear  heart,  to  do  my  best  towards  making  that 
prophecy  come  true  !  " 

"In  discussing  honeymoons,  even  my  own;  I  may 
not  be  permitted  to  trust,  in  what  is  given  to  me  to 
know.  As  a  maiden  of  twenty-six  summers,  now 
your  wife ;  I  know  very  well  that  a  husband  who  is 
just,  loving,  noble  and  true,  is  the  most  important 
14 


418  SOLARIS  FARM. 

of  all  factors,  in  securing  the  perfection  of  the  ideal 
honeymoon.  That  six-year  ordeal  of  loyal,  patient 
love,  which  you  have  so  thoughtfully  analyzed  and 
classified,  has  made  you  very  dear  to  me  !  In  over 
coming  this  ordeal  so  victoriously,  you  have  dis 
played  a  strength  of  character  which  has  commanded 
my  admiration.  You  have  been  unselfish,  cour 
ageous,  persistent  of  purpose,  trustful,  thoughtfully 
sagacious,  perfectly  trustworthy,  and  strictly  honor 
able.  For  these  characteristics,  so  like  those  pos 
sessed  by  my  father ;  I  love  you  more  than  for  all 
else.  Since  crowned  with  conscious  life,  my  father 
has  been  to  me,  the  standard  of  an  ideal  man !  If 
ever  a  daughter  worshipped  a  father;  I  was  that 
daughter.  In  character,  you,  of  all  the  men  I  have 
met,  are  the  nearest  like  him.  Stronger  words 
of  praise  than  these,  the  lips  of  a  proud,  loving  wife, 
could  not  utter  !  Now  Fillmore  !  My  dear  husband ! 
I  am  going  to  kiss  you,  as  an  antidote ;  lest  the 
fervor  of  my  speech,  should  make  you  vain,  just  a 
little ! " 

"The  antidote  seems  to  work  like  a  charm  !  Yet, 
a  speech  so  full  of  such  crushing  praise,  coming  from 
the  lips  of  the  loveliest  and  most  thoughtful  of 
wives,  is  very  provocative  to  vanity.  It  makes  my 
case  so  desperate,  that  it  really  requires  heroic 
treatment.  To  make  the  antidote  effective,  I  should 
say,  increase  the  quantity  of  the  dose  •  administer 
very  frequently ! 

"But  seriously,  my  dear  wife  !  I  am  overwhelmed 
by  the  tribute  of  praise,  which  you  have  paid  to  my 
character !  To  me,  the  character  of  Fennimore  Fen- 
wick,  is  nobleness  personified  !  To  have  my  own 
continually  compared  with  one  so  exalted,  is  a  very 
trying  ordeal.  I  tremble  for  the  consequences !  I 


SOLARIS  FARM.  419 

am  now  so  happy,  that  in  the  very  selfishness  of  my 
love  for  you,  I  may  shatter  your  ideal.  To  dis 
appoint  you  ;  would  be  to  forfeit  my  paradise  !  In 
times  of  trial,  I  shall  appeal  to  you  as  the  noblest 
and  best  of  wives,  to  use  your  highest  gifts  of 
occult  power  to  assist  me  in  retaining  your  respect, 
admiration  and  love.  Meanwhile,  my  dear  wife  !  I 
shall  cherish  in  my  heart,  the  memory  of  your 
tribute,  as  a  talisman,  as  a  perpetual  inspiration  to 
live  up  to  my  highest  ideal !  Whatever  happens, 
I  shall  be  myself." 

"That,  Fillmore,  has  the  true  ring  of  your  natural 
nobility  !  Be  yourself,  and  we  shall  be  lovers  forever  ! 
With  that  question  settled ;  under  the  inspiration  of 
this  lovely  moon,  let  us  commence  the  construction 
of  our  castles  in  the  air.  In  marrying  a  woman  with 
a  great  fortune,  you  have  pledged  yourself  to  share 
equally  with  her,  the  pleasures,  cares  and  responsi 
bilities  of  her  riches.  Remembering,  that  hence 
forth,  we  are  joint  trustees,  under  my  father's  di 
rection,  for  the  wise  use  and  distribution  of  this 
wealth.  It  becomes  our  duty  to  make  competent  and 
well-considered  plans  for  the  work.  What  say  you, 
my  dear  husband  !  Shall  we  not  do  well,  if  we  de 
vote  a  generous  share  of  our  honeymoon  to  the 
making,  development  and  perfection  of  these  plans?  '> 

"What  you  propose,  my  dear  Fern,  will  make  me 
very  happy !  I  shall  be  delighted  with  the  oppor 
tunity  to  relieve  you  of  a  portion  of  the  burden  of 
your  responsibilities,  by  sharing  them.  How,  and 
when  shall  we  commence  the  plan  making  ?  " 

"Before  undertaking  the  plans,  it  will  be  necessary 
for  us  to  ascertain  just  how  much  we  are  worth, 
financially  speaking.  For  this  purpose,  we  must 
make  a  complete  and  carefully  classified  inventory 


420  SOLARIS  FARM. 

of  our  properties,  both  real  and  personal.  This  im 
portant  task,  we  will  take  up  tomorrow,  working 
deliberately  until  it  is  finished.  It  is  quite  likely  to 
prove  a  long  one,  bristling  with  interesting  data, 
suggestive  and  educative,  as  to  the  extent  of  your 
newly  assumed  responsibilities. 

"After  the  inventory  is  complete,  we  will  each  in 
favor  of  the  other,  make  and  execute  a  will,  convey 
ing  the  property  described  by  the  inventory.  Then, 
we  shall  be  prepared  for  the  accidents,  emergencies 
and  unexpected  changes  of  a  mortal  existence. 

"Having  disposed  of  the  wills,  we  will  return  to 
the  inventory.  Going  over  it  without  haste,  item  by 
item.  While  considering  each  one,  I  will  give  its 
history ;  then,  we  will  make  a  short  note,  embodying 
our  individual  ideas  as  to  the  best  present  or  future 
disposition  of  that  particular  piece  of  property. 
These  notes  to  be  attached  to  the  inventory.  By 
the  time  we  have  finished  this  work,  you  will  have 
acquired  such  a  firm  mental  grasp  of  our  financial 
situation,  that  you  can  advise  me  wisely,  or  act  alone, 
as  the  occasion  may  demand." 

' '  Pardon  me,  sweetheart !  What  of  our  coming 
conference  with  your  father,  Fennimore  Fenwick? 
Is  that  to  be  postponed  until  we  have  finished  the 
preliminary  work,  which  you  have  outlined  ?  " 

"Yes,  my  lover  !  I  would  not  have  you  take  part 
in  the  consultation,  without  first  being  equipped  with 
this  important  knowledge.  Besides,  it  was  so  under 
stood,  by  father  and  myself,  when  we  arranged  to 
have  the  conference  take  place  on  the  afternoon  of 
the  fifth  day  after  the  wedding.  There  will  be  plenty 
of  time.  You  are  perfectly  satisfied  with  the  arrange 
ment,  are  you  not  ?  " 

*  *  More  than  satisfied,    my  good  angel !      I   can 


SOLARIS  FARM.  421 

hardly  realize  my  good  fortune !  I  am  eager  to 
begin  the  work.  What  a  delightful  time  we  shall 
have  !  To  have  you  introduce  me  to  our  wealth,  by 
the  way  of  this  unique,  honeymoon  program;  is 
something  very  like  a  fairy  story  !  I  could  not  de 
vise  or  imagine  anything  more  delightful ! 

"Six  years  ago,  at  the  time  of  our  meeting,  I  was 
hopeful  and  ambitious.  My  heart  was  filled  with  an 
earnest  longing  for  the  fulfillment  of  my  one  great 
purpose  in  life.  But,  how  to  accomplish  that  pur 
pose,  was  hidden  from  me  by  the  veil  of  the  future. 
Then,  I  never  dreamed  that  waiting  behind  the  veil, 
love  was  the  goddess  of  good  fortune,  who  was  to 
guide  me  to  success !  It  is  the  unexpected  which 
always  happens !  Thinking  not  of  self ;  destiny 
smiled  on  my  unselfishness,  and  kindly  led  me  to  my 
fate  !  Having  met  you,  I  dared  to  love  !  Discovering 
that  you  cherished  a  purpose  in  life  like  my  own,  I 
dared  to  hope  !  Trusting  to  love,  as  the  messenger 
of  destiny ;  in  the  unalloyed  happiness  of  this  glori 
ous  honeymoon,  I  have  reached  the  goal  of  all  my 
ambitious  hopes !  When  I  reflect  on  the  magical 
change  of  my  environments,  and  the  new  career  in 
life  which  has  opened  for  me ;  I  can  appreciate  the  full 
significance  of  the  miracle  which  love  has  wrought ! 

" Knowing  the  importance  of  unselfishness  on  the 
part  of  the  individual,  as  a  necessary  factor  in  the 
successful  co-operation  of  the  multitude ;  I  perceive 
that  selfishness  must  be  overcome  by  a  compre 
hensive  system  of  education,  organized  for  that  par 
ticular  purpose.  The  organization  of  such  a  system 
must  be  accomplished  by  a  small  number  of  enthusi 
asts,  who  are  willing  to  devote  their  lives  to  it. 
This  means,  that  they  must  be  people  of  wealth  and 
leisure, 


422  SOLARIS  FARM. 

"As  an  evidence  of  appreciation  of  responsibility, 
for  my  stewardship  of  the  wealth  which  you  have 
bestowed  upon  me;  I  wish  now  to  declare  my  purpose. 
It  is,  to  devote  the  remainder  of  my  life  to  this  edu 
cational  work.  It  now  comes  to  me,  that  this  is  the 
work  described  for  us,  in  your  letter,  written  to  me 
over  thirty  months  ago ;  where,  in  a  vision  of  the 
future,  you  saw  us  united,  side  by  side,  hand  in  hand, 
fighting  successfully  against  the  poverty  breeding 
hosts  of  selfishness.  From  the  innermost  depths  of 
my  being,  I  rejoice  over  this  most  fortunate  oppor 
tunity,  which  permits  me  to  take  an  active  part  in 
such  an  important  work !  My  heart  swells  with 
pride  and  happiness,  when  I  feel  and  know  that  I  am 
to  have  the  honor  of  standing  by  your  side,  in  the 
fore- front  of  the  fight ! 

"I  can  now  appreciate  the  utility  of  my  long 
apprenticeship  on  the  co-operative  farm.  In  no  other 
way,  could  I  have  been  so  well  prepared  for  leader 
ship  in  the  educational  movement.  I  have  learned 
just  what  agricultural  people  need  to  make  them 
perfect  citizens  of  a  perfected  republic.  A  republic 
of  peace,  without  a  police ;  without  the  burden  of  a 
standing  army,  to  menace  and  oppress  its  citizens,  be 
cause  they  are  already  a  law  unto  themselves,  at  peace 
with  all  the  world.  When  I  analyze  the  influences 
which  have  inspired  and  led  me,  throughout  this  ex 
traordinary  course  of  training ;  I  recognize  the  action 
of  a  dominant,  guiding  mind ;  the  far-seeing  wisdom 
of  my  noble  friend  and  benefactor,  Fennimore  Fen- 
wick.  To  him,  and  to  the  spirit  world,  I  shall  ever 
be  profoundly  grateful !  Is  it  not  a  most  beautiful 
illustration,  of  the  power  of  spirits  to  co-operate  with 
mortals  ?  " 

"Very   true   and    rightly   spoken,    my   prince  of 


SOLARIS  FARM.  423 

husbands  !  I  too,  am  glad,  that  during  the  six  years 
of  your  preparatory  training,  destiny's  messenger 
— love — has  guided  you  so  wisely.  With  your  intui 
tive  nature,  I  am  not  surprised  that  you  have  divined 
so  clearly,  the  general  scope  of  the  life  work,  which 
my  father  has  planned  for  us.  At  the  coming  con 
ference,  he  is  to  unfold  the  details  of  the  work.  Let 
us  well  employ  the  intervening  time,  in  doing  the 
preliminary  work ;  which,  as  you  have  so  well  said, 
will  give  us  an  added  relish  for  the  enjoyment  of  our 
delightful  honeymoon." 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 

THE   NEW   CRUSADE. 

THE  BEAUTIFUL,  seance  room  at  Fenwick  Hall, 
was  known  to  the  chosen  few,  as  the  '  'Tower  of  the 
Psychics."  In  fittings,  furniture,  and  equipment,  it 
was  much  the  same  as  the  square  room  in  the  central 
tower  at  Fairy  Fern  Cottage.  From  the  beginning, 
this  room  had  been  devoted  to  but  one  purpose ;  that 
of  an  audience  chamber  for  the  intercommunion  of 
the  Two  Worlds,  the  spirit  and  the  mortal.  Every 
visiting  mortal  felt  the  presence  of  a  refined  spiritual 
atmosphere,  a  highly  charged,  electrostatic  potential, 
which  made  possible  superior  spiritual  conditions. 
In  this  room,  Fennimore  Fenwick  was  at  home,  to 
the  chosen  few  of  his  friends  on  the  mortal  plane  of 
existence.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  conference,  we 
find  our  hero  and  heroine  in  this  room,  awaiting  the 
coming  of  Fennimore  Fenwick. 

While  Fillmore  was  admiring  the  full  length,  life 


424  SOLARIS  FARM. 

size  painting  of  his  spiritual  friend  and  benefactor, 
which  hung  on  the  wall  opposite  the  entrance  to  the 
room;  the  familiar  voice  of  the  original,  through 
the  trumpet  very  near,  gave  him  a  cordial  greeting. 

"  Bless  you,  my  son  !  How  glad  I  am,  to  welcome 
you  to  Fenwick  Hall,  as  its  new  master  !  May  your 
reign  here  as  such,  prove  long  and  prosperous  !  In 
the  enthusiasm  of  my  fatherly  pride,  allow  me  to 
congratulate  you  on  your  rare  good  fortune,  in  win 
ning  the  hand  and  heart  of  my  daughter,  Fern.  She 
is  a  pearl  above  price!  Ever  love  her  devotedly r 
my  boy  !  Cherish  her  tenderly,  as  the  brightest 
jewel  in  your  crown  of  life  !  " 

'  'Thank  you,  Mr.  Fenwick  !  For  your  affectionate 
and  kindly  words  of  welcome  !  To  me,  they  are  more 
gracious,  more  inspiring  and  more  delightful,  than 
words  can  express  !  They  have  so  taken  me  by  sur 
prise,  that  I  am  overwhelmed  by  the  strong  tide  of 
emotions  welling  up  from  my  grateful  heart !  As  to 
your  commands  in  relation  to  my  precious  wife ;  you 
may  trust  me !  Waking  or  sleeping,  I  shall  never 
forget  them  !  They  are  burned  into  my  heart,  by 
the  intensity  of  my  love  for  her,  by  the  force  of  my 
lasting  esteem  and  admiration  for  you  !  How  can  I 
ever  properly  thank  you,  my  noble  benefactor,  for 
your  great  goodness  to  me ;  for  your  supreme  con 
fidence  in  my  integrity  ?  In  return,  I  can  only  ask 
you  to  accept  my  pledge,  to  ever  strive  to  merit  that 
confidence !  " 

c '  Do  not  thank  me,  my  son  !  Thank  Love  !  Desti 
ny's  messenger ;  who,  as  a  reward  for  your  unselfish 
ness,  has  kindly  led  you  to  the  goal  of  your  present 
happiness !  " 

"And  you,  my  beloved  daughter!  Are  you  quite 
happy  !  May  I  also  congratulate  you,  on  having  so 


SOLARIS  FARM.  425 

wisely  chosen  a  husband,  who  is  in  every  way 
worthy  ?  Do  you  remember  the  promise  I  made  to 
you,  on  the  night  of  my  transition  ?  A  promise  to 
bring  to  your  side,  a  friend,  a  counselor,  a  protector, 
whose  wisdom  and  integrity,  should  at  all  times, 
prove  sufficient  for  the  needs  of  the  hour.  Are  you 
satisfied,  my  dear  girl  ?  Have  I  faithfully  kept  my 
promise  ?  " 

"Yes,  father  !  I  am  more  tnan  satisfied  !  I  am  a 
contented  woman,  I  am  very  happy  !  The  quiet  de 
licious  calm  of  my  happiness,  is  a  new  experience  for 
me.  Heretofore,  I  had  supposed  that  happy  women 
must  be  vivacious  and  voluble,  from  the  very  effer 
vescence  of  their  happiness.  Now  I  know  that  it  is 
not  so.  Your  characteristic  words  of  praise,  for  the 
one  I  have  chosen  as  a  husband,  have  made  me  very 
proud  of  him  and  deeply  grateful  to  you  !  In  him,  I 
have  found  the  promised  friend,  counselor  and  pro 
tector  ;  also,  an  ideal  lover.  But,  my  dearest,  kindest, 
best  of  fathers ;  you  know  very  well,  that  to  trust 
you  implicitly,  is  a  law  of  my  life !  I  have  always 
trusted  you !  Therefore,  I  am  not  disappointed ; 
neither  am  I  very  much  surprised.  I  am  just  per 
fectly  happy.  That  is  the  whole  story  in  a  nutshell ! " 

"This  is  as  it  should  be,  my  children!  When  I 
first  saw  you,  Fillmore,  I  felt  intuitively,  that  you 
and  Fern  were  made  for  each  other.  I  knew  I  could 
trust  you  together,  to  finish  my  work.  Now,  I  re 
joice,  that  my  intuitions  were  so  prophetic  ! 

"In  your  work  at  Solaris  Farm,  Fillmore,  you 
have  succeeded  beyond  my  most  sanguine  hopes.  I 
congratulate  you  heartily,  my  son,  on  this  initial 
success  for  the  co-operative  movement !  This  is 
but  the  beginning  of  the  work.  As  we  go  farther, 
wider  fields  are  opened  for  more  extended  efforts. 


426  SOLARIS  FARM. 

You  have  already  correctly  surmised,  that  selfishness 
in  humanity  has  become  so  dominant,  so  crystallized, 
from  long  centuries  under  the  heartless  reign  of 
competition,  that  only  a  far-reaching,  well  organ 
ized,  especially  designed  scheme  of  education,  can 
conquer  the  evil.  By  means  of  this  educational  pro 
gram,  we  shall  be  able  to  open  the  eyes  of  both  poor 
and  rich,  to  the  benefits  of  co-operation. 

, "It  has  been  wisely  and  truthfully  said,  that: 
'The  destruction  of  the  poor,  is  their  poverty.  That 
conversely,  the  poverty  of  the  poor,  is  the  real 
power  of  the  rich. '  In  these  two  short  sentences, 
we  have  the  most  scathing  indictment  against  present 
social  and  industrial  conditions,  that  could  be  made! 
These  conditions  are  wickedly  abnormal !  They  are 
entirely  out  of  harmony  with  the  law  of  progress, 
and  of  planetary  evolution!  To  change  them  for 
something  better,  is  the  crying  need  of  the  hour ! 

' '  It  were  a  mercy  to  both  rich  and  poor  alike,  to 
make  them  financially  independent  of  each  other  ! 
Then,  freed  from  the  thraldom  of  selfishness,  they 
could  discover  and  appreciate,  each  for  themselves, 
the  true  object  and  purpose  of  human  life.  For  this 
reason,  our  new  educational  movement,  must  be  so 
arranged,  that  it  may  successfully  appeal  to  all 
classes. 

"For  the  industrial  classes,  the  agriculturalists 
and  the  artisans,  we  can  use  the  co-operative  farm 
movement  as  a  basis  of  education.  As  for  the 
wealthy  remainder,  they  must  first  be  taught  to  re 
spect  the  sacredness  and  the  true  purpose  of  human 
life,  before  they  can  contemplate  any  form  of  social 
or  co-operative  progress,  with  feelings  other  than 
contempt,  or  at  least  angry  opposition.  This  is  to 
be  expected.  It  is  the  natural  outgrowth  of  the 


SOLARIS  FARM.  427 

teachings  of  a  society,  which  is  controlled  by  the 
hierarchy  of  competition.  Both  the  co-operative 
farm  and  the  broader  educational  movement,  are  to 
be  embraced  by  the  work  of  the  New  Crusade. 

"The  New  Crusade,  is  to  be  organized,  promoted 
and  maintained,  for  the  peaceful  conquest  of  poverty; 
and  the  consequent  banishment  of  ignorance  and 
crime.  These  grand  purposes,  shall  be  emblazoned 
on  its  banners,  appealing  to  the  chivalry  and  knight 
hood  of  the  republic  for  support.  Never  before  has 
the  bugle  of  the  crusader,  blown  the  assembly  call 
for  so  noble  a  cause !  Victory  for  this  glorious 
cause,  means  a  recognition  of  the  true  nobility  of 
labor  :  The  establishment  of  peace  on  earth,  and 
happiness  for  all :  An  abundant  harvest,  for  all  pro 
ductive  toil :  The  sacredness  and  divine  significance 
of  life  :  The  brotherhood  of  humanity :  And  the  soli 
darity  of  all  social  interests.  To  the  victors,  shall 
come  the  well  earned  plaudits  of  a  thousand  future 
generations  ;  whose  sons  and  daughters  shall  chant 
the  story  of  the  unparalleled  chivalry  of  such  noble, 
unselfish  deeds ! 

"To  you,  my  children,  is  assigned  the  task  and  the 
honor  of  inaugurating  this  peaceful  campaign.  From 
you,  it  will  demand  extraordinary  activity,  courage 
and  administrative  ability ;  reinforced  by  large  sums 
of  money.  Fortunately,  the  Fenwick  fortune  is 
ample.  Use  it  without  stint.  Fenwick  Hall,  is 
roomy  and  well  fitted  for  the  headquarters  of  the 
New  Crusade ;  and  for  the  housing  of  its  organizing 
staff ;  which,  from  the  magnitude  of  the  work,  will 
be  a  large  one.  A  bureau  of  literature  must  be 
formed,  A  newspaper  and  a  magazine,  devoted  to 
the  cause  of  the  Crusade,  must  be  published.  They 
must  be  the  best  of  their  kind.  The  editorial  talent 


428  SOLARIS  FARM. 

must  be  of  the  highest  order,  the  ablest  in  the  land. 
Every  State  in  the  Republic,  must  be  made  a  depart 
ment  of  the  Crusade.  A  select  army  corps  of  teachers, 
organizers  and  leaders,  must  be  assembled,  trained 
and  thoroughly  prepared,  to  take  charge  of  these 
departments.  They  will  be  the  executive  and  re 
cruiting  officers  of  the  Crusade ;  rendering  weekly 
reports  to  the  headquarters  in  Washington.  Every 
co-operative  farm,  will  become  an  outpost  and  a  re 
cruiting  station ;  every  State,  a  grand  encampment. 
"In  recruiting  crusaders  from  the  ranks  of  the 
wealthy,  a  special  effort  should  be  made,  to  have 
them  take  up  the  cause  as  a  fashionable  fad.  They 
can  be  diplomatically  led,  where  they  cannot  be 
coaxed  or  driven.  In  the  face  of  any  opposition  they 
may  display,  it  must  ever  be  borne  in  mind,  that  the 
hearts  of  nine-tenths  of  the  wealthy,  are  good  and 
true.  Their  natural  promptings  are  to  do  right ;  to 
use  their  riches  for  the  advancement  of  science,  and 
for  the  cause  of  humanity.  They  would  do  better, 
if  they  only  knew  how.  They  must  be  educated.  The 
competitive  system,  under  which  they  were  born, 
trained  and  made  rich,  is  at  fault.  By  it,  they  have 
been  taught,  that  poverty  is  a  necessary  and  per 
manent  state;  to  which,  a  large  majority  of  the 
people  of  the  earth,  are  assigned  by  the  action  of  a 
divine  law.  Therefore,  any  attempt  to  banish  pover 
ty  would  be  not  only  useless,  but  actually  sinful. 
Nevertheless,  prompted  by  a  higher  law,  many  of 
them  annually  dispense  large  sums  in  charity.  Under 
the  competitive  system,  charity  only  aggravates  the 
malady.  It  is  money  thrown  away  !  As  the  recip 
ients  are  thus  enabled  to  work  for  less  wages  ;  in 
creasing  the  gains  of  competitive  masters;  and  final 
ly,  swelling  the  ranks  of  the  helpless  poor.  After  a 


SOLARIS  FARM.  429 

few  trials,  even  the  most  persistent  alms-giver  soon 
discovers,  that  as  an  antidote  to  poverty,  charity  is 
a  wretched  faUure.  Taking  it  for  granted,  that  the 
competitive  system  is  a  permanent  one  which  is  to 
endure  forever,  he  gives  up  the  problem  as  hopeless. 

"It  is  to  be  the  business  of  the  New  Crusade,  to 
show  why  the  co-operative  should  be  substituted  for 
the  competitive  system.  It  must  teach  the  wealthy 
classes,  the  vast  importance  of  the  great  lesson 
taught  at  Solaris.  Namely,  that  by  organized,  un 
selfish  co-operation ;  independent  self-employment, 
producing  an  abundance  for  all,  may  be  speedily 
and  practicably  substituted  for  every  form  of  poverty. 
The  Crusade  must  demonstrate,  that  ignorance, 
poverty  and  crime,  are  handmaidens,  which  cannot 
exist  apart.  That  if  one-half  the  money  expended 
for  charity  during  the  past  fifty  years,  had  been 
used  to  promote  co-operative  self -employment,  pover 
ty,  tramps  and  ignorance,  would  now  be  things  of 
the  past. 

"To  the  people  of  the  republic  at  large,  must  be 
taught  the  significance  of  the  contrast  between  the 
war-like  competitive  system,  and  the  peaceful  meth 
ods  of  a  co-operative  association.  Co-operation, 
makes  combined  individual  effort,  equal  to  the  wealth 
of  independence.  The  co-operator,  being  self-em 
ployed,  no  longer  strives  to  displace  a  fellow  work 
man  by  offering  service  at  a  lower  price. 

'  'Competition,  emphasizes  the  poverty  and  help 
lessness  of  the  individual,  because  it  sets  every  man 
against  his  neighbor,  against  the  whole  world.  The 
competitor  deliberately  shuts  himself  away  from  all 
gain  that  might  come  to  him  from  the  force  and 
effectiveness  of  associated  effort.  He  loses  all  faith 
in  mankind ;  in  honesty  and  justice.  He  views  the 


430  SOLARIS  FARM. 

good  fortune  of  a  fellow  toiler,  as  a  personal  injury, 
which  he  ought  to  resent.  In  fact,  he  becomes  too 
selfish  to  even  be  patriotic  I 

"The  quickest  way  to  convince  the  people  of  the 
barbarism,  the  cruelty,  and  the  wickedness  of  such 
a  system,  is  to  establish  a  co-operative  farm  in  every 
available  township  throughout  the  land.  The  free, 
healthy,  trained,  and  well-educated  social  communi 
ties,  growing  up  on  these  farms,  will  become  the 
units  of  a  true  society ;  the  underlying  foundation, 
on  which  to  build  the  true  republic. 

"Society  dominates  the  political  expression  of 
nations.  It  molds  and  controls  public  opinion,  busi 
ness  methods  and  commercial  usage.  Under  the 
reign  of  competitive  business  and  society,  the  market 
is  largely  composed  of  small  wage  earners,  whose 
necessities  are  so  great,  whose  tenure  of  employment 
is  so  uncertain,  and  whose  wages  are  so  scanty ;  that 
they  are  forced  to  buy  the  cheapest  of  everything. 
On  the  part  of  tradespeople,  the  fierce  competition 
to  control  this  cheap  market,  encourages  the  use  of 
an  outrageous  system  of  food  adulteration,  and  with 
it,  every  possible  degree  of  lying,  cheating,  fraud 
and  deception ;  until  the  moral  tone  of  both  business 
and  society,  has  become  blunted ;  yes,  well  nigh  de 
stroyed.  As  a  result  of  this  shameful  state  of  com 
mercial  affairs,  the  successful  man  in  any  line  of 
business,  can  no  longer  afford  to  be  honest.  He 
knows  very  well,  that  in  competitive  business,  he 
can  utterly  ignore  honor,  conscience,  and  self-respect, 
without  losing  the  approval  of  competitive  society. 
Can  such  a  rotten  society  ever  become  a  safe  foun 
dation  for  the  government  of  a  true  republic  ? 

"It  is  to  be  the  mission  of  the  New  Crusade  to 
teach  and  to  demonstrate,  that  under  the  reign  of  a 


SOLARIS  FARM.  431 

co-operative  system,  and  society,  these  conditions 
would  be  reversed.  All  incentives  to  cheapen  goods, 
or  to  adulterate  food  products,  would  vanish.  The 
co-operators  would  then  form  the  bulk  of  the  market. 
Buying  at  wholesale  collectively,  to  sell  to  them 
selves  individually ;  they  would  be  in  a  financial 
condition  to  pay  remunerative  prices,  for  whatever 
was  genuine,  pure,  wholesome,  good,  reliable  and 
lasting.  Inferior  articles,  they  would  not  purchase 
at  any  price.  The  demand  for  cheap  stuff  would 
cease.  The  dominant  motive  of  the  commercial 
world,  would  be  revolutionized.  Among  manufac 
turers  and  producers,  the  cry  would  be,  not  how 
cheap,  but  how  excellent,  can  we  make  our  goods  ! 
The  long-practiced,  skillful  chicanery  of  competitive 
methods,  would  be  at  a  discount;  they  would  be 
worse  than  useless  !  Honest  men  could  then  engage 
in  business,  without  violating  either  honor,  or  con 
science  !  Cheating  and  lying,  would  no  longer  form 
a  part  of  the  business  code  !  At  all  times,  and  under 
all  circumstances,  to  respect  the  sacredness  of  life, 
and  the  natural  rights  of  man,  would  become  the 
universal  watchword  !  Justice  would  dethrone  chari 
ty  !  The  high  moral  tone  of  the  industrial  and  com 
mercial  world,  would  pervade  the  social  and  political. 
The  injury  of  the  weakest,  would  become  the  concern 
of  the  strongest.  The  rising  tide  of  humanitarianism 
would  submerge  poverty.  The  fires  of  ignorance 
and  crime,  would  be  extinguished  by  its  conquering 
flood. 

"Than  this,  no  lesson  more  important,  could  be 
taught  to  the  people.  The  scales  of  selfishness 
having  fallen  from  their  eyes,  they  can  be  made  to 
understand,  that  all  of  these  wonderful  things  may 
be  accomplished,  quickly  and  easily,  by  the  plain, 


432  SOLARIS   FARM. 

practical  methods  of  unselfish  co-operation.  Methods, 
whose  assured  results  are  as  easily  demonstrable,  as 
the  solution  of  a  mathematical  problem.  Once  con 
vinced,  they  will  make  haste  to  discard  the  wasteful 
methods  of  the  competitive  system ;  substituting 
therefor,  the  co-operative  conservation  of  national 
wealth.  In  this  conservation,  the  wealth  of  the 
unit,  will  be  the  measure  of  the  wealth  of  the  nation. 

'  'This  conservation  will  usher  in  a  new  era,  of  the 
means  of  gathering,  and  of  the  higher  uses  of 
national  wealth.  A  magnificent  national  fund,  ac 
cumulated  for  the  benefit,  education,  refinement  and 
enjoyment  of  all.  The  swiftness  of  its  accumulation 
and  the  magnitude  of  its  billions,  will  become  the 
marvel  of  the  world !  By  contrast,  all  former 
standards  of  the  wealth  of  nations,  will  fade  and 
shrink  to  insignificance  !  Why  must  this  prove  true  ? 
Because,  under  the  beneficent  reign  of  co-operative 
equality,  money,  shorn  of  its  power,  would  only  be 
valued  for  its  use.  The  store  of  national  wealth, 
being  for  the  equal  use  and  benefit  of  every  individual 
citizen;  the  incentive  for  its  accumulation,  would 
inspire  all  alike.  As  a  result,  the  people  as  a  mass 
would  enjoy  all  the  benefits  of  great  wealth,  minus 
its  burdens,  abuses,  temptations  and  dangers.  In 
this,  any  one  of  them  might  be  envied  by  the  com 
petitive  millionaires. 

'  'Among  the  many  lessons  in  addition  to  those  en 
umerated,  which  the  Crusade  must  teach  to  the 
people ;  I  would  strongly  emphasize  the  following : 

"That  human  life,  as  the  flower  and  fruit  of  the 
planet — each  individual  being  a  microcosm  of  the 
macrocosm — must  always  be  held  as  the  most  sacred 
and  the  most  precious  of  all  things.  Because  it  is 
the  object  and  purpose,  the  beginning,  the  expression. 


SOLARIS  FARM.  433 

the  commandment  and  the  fulfillment  of  the  law. 

"That  the  law  of  life  and  the  law  of  progress,  are 
complements  of  each  other.  Like  twin  sisters,  they 
act  as  a  bond  between  the  systems  of  the  universe  f 
they  embrace  all  things,  from  an  atom  to  the  Infinite  ! 

'  'That  activity,  is  the  expression  of  life  !  Necessity 
and  glory,  are  the  two  poles  of  human  activity  ;  its 
inspiration  and  its  motor  power  ! 

"It  is  the  evident  purpose  of  natural  law,  that  the 
activity  of  man  shall  unceasingly  produce  for  all, 
an  abundance  of  the  necessities,  comforts  and  lux 
uries  of  life. 

"Ignorance,  is  the  giant  who  bars  the  pathway  of 
progress !  Labor  from  necessity,  reigns  as  a  rule, 
in  all  ages  of  ignorance !  Misery  and  poverty,  are 
its  children ! 

"Labor  for  glory,  marks  the  age  of  enlightened 
progress,  where  all  may  have  an  opportunity  to  ex 
press  individuality,  through  their  handiwork;  to 
taste  the  great  joy,  that  comes  with  the  conscious 
ness  of  participation  in  spontaneous,  unselfish,  in 
telligent  activity,  which  shall  insure  the  reign  of 
perpetual  peace  and  plenty.  In  this,  man's  conquest 
over  matter,  becomes  the  true  glory  of  labor !'  In 
the  variety  of  self-chosen,  self -directed,  co-operative, 
productive  labor,  is  found  life's  greatest  blessing. 

"Organized,  unselfish  co-operation,  will  teach  the 
people  to  appreciate  the  dignity,  and  the  true  nobility 
of  labor.  From  it,  they  will  learn  that  labor,  how 
ever  simple  or  insignificant,  is  far  nobler  than  any 
kind  of  enervating  idleness  ;  no  matter  how  much 
that  idleness  may  be  gilded  by  the  varnish  of  honor! 
Godin  says :  'A  day's  work  well  done,  is  worth  more 
than  a  whole  existence  of  inactivity  !  ' 

' '  Labor  develops  the  possibilities  of  life !    It  is  the 


434  SOLARIS  FARM. 

effective  instrument  which  makes  possible  the  pro 
gress  of  nations,  the  emancipation  of  peoples  !  The 
labor  of  passing  ages  has  evolved  a  fund  of  ideas, 
best  adapted  to  guide  humanity  towards  a  true  inter 
pretation  of  the  object  and  purpose  of  human  life. 

1  'Labor  will  cease  to  be  a  burden,  when  man  com 
prehends  its  true  mission.  Stripped  of  its  drudgery, 
released  from  the  harness  of  toil  and  the  spur  of 
necessity,  the  brightness  of  the  blessing  of  labor 
shines  forth  resplendent.  In  the  halo  of  this  radiant 
truth,  can  anyone  be  guilty  of  a  blasphemy,  which 
degrades  labor  to  the  penalty  of  a  punishment. 

"The  question  of  politics  is  intimately  associated 
with  the  question  of  labor.  The  science  of  politics, 
is  the  science  of  life.  Government,  is  its  expression. 
Self-government  by  the  individual,  is  its  keynote. 
The  study  of  this  science  should  be  pursued  by  all 
classes,  with  the  enthusiasm  born  of  a  religious  zeal. 
A  few  of  its  most  important  principles  may  be  found 
embodied  in  the  following  propositions.  If  we  wish 
to  be  able  to  take  an  interest  in  moral  life ;  we  must 
first  satisfy  the  demands  of  physical  life.  If  we 
wish  to  practice  justice,  we  must  first  learn  the  law 
of  Right  and  Duty  ;  that  is,  in  striving  to  satisfy  our 
own  material  wants,  we  must  learn  how  to  protect 
the  rights  of  others.  We  must  remember,  that  they 
too  are  toiling  for  the  same  purpose. 

"In  order  to  protect  the  welfare  of  each  political 
unit,  these  principles  must  form  the  basis  of  all 
scientific  politics.  In  the  social  units  evolved  by  co 
operative  life,  these  conditions  are  embodied  and  ex 
pressed.  In  them,  we  shall  find  the  basis  upon 
which  to  build  a  grand,  social,  industrial  and  politi 
cal  organization.  An  organization,  which  shall  truly 
represent  Liberty  and  Justice ;  which,  in  its  expres- 


SOLARIS  FARM.  435 

sion  as  a  whole,  shall  be  the  government  of  the  New 
Republic ! 

"Co-operation  is  the  foe  of  despotism!  Associ 
ated,  intelligent,  political  co-operation,  is  the  edu 
cator  which  shall  teach  the  people,  that  a  true  re 
public  cannot  exist  until,  in  the  minds  of  its  leaders, 
every  vestige  of  the  spirit  of  despotism  has  been 
cast  out. 

"In  the  accomplishment  of  this  great  political 
work,  faith  in  the  destiny  of  this  republic,  its  people, 
and  its  mission,  is  to  prove  a  most  important  factor. 
To  endow  a  people  with  faith,  is  to  multiply  their 
strength  tenfold  !  Faith,  reinforced  by  knowledge, 
is  an  irresistible  force,  against  which  naught  can 
prevail !  Hence,  it  becomes  imperative,  that  in  each 
school  and  kindergarten  of  the  republic,  its  children 
should  be  taught  in  broad  outlines,  the  vastness  of 
its  territory,  and  the  magnitude  of  its  natural  re 
sources. 

"I  cannot  too  strongly  emphasize  the  necessity 
for  this  important  part  of  the  political  education  of 
children  !  As  the  future  guardians  and  law  makers 
of  the  republic,  its  children  should  acquire  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  widely  diversified  characteristics 
of  each  geographical  sub-division.  This,  they  must 
accomplish,  before  they  can  be  prepared  to  appreciate 
the  overshadowing  significance,  of  its  past,  present, 
and  future  destiny. 

"The  kindergarten  offers  perfect  conditions,  for 
the  introduction  of  a  primary  course  of  this  political 
instruction.  By  using  a  large  outline  map,  showing 
the  geographical  and  geological  formation,  the  miner 
al  deposits,  the  extent  or  area  of  timbered  and  agri 
cultural  lands,  the  manufacturing  centers,  the  princi 
pal  wagon-roads  and  lines  of  transportation,  the 


436  SOLARIS  FABM. 

natural  trade  centers,  the  population,  the  schools, 
the  chief  officers,  and  the  well  known  political  leaders 
of  each  sub-division;  a  series  of  intellectual  ex 
cursions  could  be  so  arranged,  and  made  so  interest 
ing  to  the  children,  that  they  would  soon  master 
these  statistics,  as  identified  with  every  State  and 
Territory  in  the  Republic.  Having  finished  the  sub 
divisions,  attention  could  then  be  given  to  a  much 
larger  map  of  the  United  States,  on  which  the  States 
and  Territories  on  a  smaller  scale,  would  show  the 
same  statistics.  From  this  map,  the  study  of  the 
political  statistics  of  the  States  and  Territories,  by 
groups,  could  then  be  commenced. 

"A  comparative  study  of  the  groups,  would  be  full 
of  interest  for  the  children,  and  would  offer  a  great 
number  of  delightful  surprises.  The  six  groups  in 
natural  order,  should  be  classified  as  follows  :  The 
New  England,  the  Middle,  the  Southern  States ;  the 
States  of  the  great  basin  of  the  Mississippi  Valley, 
including  the  imperial  State  of  Texas;  the  Rocky 
Mountain  States,  and  the  States  of  the  Pacific  Slope, 
including  that  remarkable,  and  only  partially  ex 
plored  Territory,  Alaska. 

"From  these  group  studies,  the  children  may 
learn  many  object  lessons,  which  might  demonstrate 
to  them,  the  natural  supremacy  of  this  republic, 
over  other  nations.  I  may  mention  the  following, 
as  noteworthy :  The  Great  Lakes  of  the  Middle 
West ;  with  a  coast  line  of  more  than  three  thousand 
miles  in  length  ;  with  an  interstate  commerce  which 
exceeds  in  tonnage,  the  combined  shipping  trade  of 
France  and  Germany.  The  marvelous  capacity  of 
the  great  agricultural  States  of  the  Mississippi 
Valley  to  become  the  granary  of  the  world;  to 
furnish  its  entire  food  supply,  of  bread,  beef  and 


SOLARIS  FARM.  43? 

pork.  The  imperial  State  of  Texas,  with  its  wealth 
of  wheat,  cane,  corn,  cotton  and  cattle;  with  a 
domain  so  wide,  that  it  equals  in  extent,  that  of 
Great  Britain,  European  Turkey,  Switzerland,  Den 
mark  and  Portugal.  Again,  passing  to  the  utter 
most  regions  of  the  Great  Northwest,  we  should  find 
the  mammoth  Territory  of  Alaska,  rich  in  its  un 
explored  forests,  mineral  deposits  and  golden  sands; 
with  a  picturesque  coast  line  of  fabulous  extent, 
stretching  away  to  the  North  far  beyond  the  Arctic 
Circle,  indented  by  a  multitude  of  romantic  bays 
and  inlets,  where  jutting  crags,  bold  promontories  of 
basaltic  rock,  countless  islands,  sparkling  water  and 
shining  glaciers,  fill  the  measure  of  beauty  and 
grandeur. 

"Thus  educated,  the  future  guardians  of  the  politi 
cal  welfare  of  the  republic,  would  understand  the 
natural  wants  of  its  widely  separated  sub-divisions ; 
they  would  fully  appreciate  the  significance  of  its 
destiny  as  a  nation.  They  would  always  be  loyal  to 
the  demands  of  that  destiny,  which  should  be  com 
mensurate  with  its  inexhaustable  resources,  with 
the  magnitude  of  its  domain.  A  domain  so  immense, 
that  when  compared  with  the  countries  of  the  Old 
World,  without  counting  island  possessions,  or  the 
Territory  of  Alaska,  it  exceeds  in  extent,  the  com 
bined  areas  of  China  proper,  Japan,  Austria,  Ger 
many,  Prance,  Spain,  Portugal,  Italy,  Holland,  Bel 
gium,  Greece,  Denmark,  Norway,  Sweden,  Switzer 
land,  Great  Britain,  and  European  Turkey.  With 
the  hearts  of  its  voters  inspired  by  such  patriotic 
teachings,  the  Republic  must  endure ;  must  fulfill 
its  prophetic  destiny  !  Naught  can  prevail  against 
it !  Not  even  the  selfish  schemes  of  a  corrupt  oli 
garchy;  no  matter  how  boldly  they  plan  or  how 


438  SOLARIS  FARM. 

many  billions   of  capital   they   may   control ! 

"In  teaching  these  things,  my  children;  also  in 
enlarging  and  perfecting  the  work  of  the  Crusade,  I 
can  promise  you  the  support  and  co-operation  of  the 
spirit  world.  The  broad  outlines,  which  I  have 
given,  will  suggest  the  more  complete  details  of  the 
work,  which  I  now  leave  in  your  hands. " 

"That  thought  alone,  Mr.  Fenwick,"  said  Fillmore, 
"ought  to  prove  a  tower  of  strength  to  us.  May  we 
not  make  that  co-operation  more  effective,  by  a  closer 
study  of  the  conditions  that  prevail,  and  of  the  laws 
which  govern  spirit  life  ?  " 

"Later  on  my  son,  that  will  be  advisable.  But 
just  at  present,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance, 
that  every  effort  should  be  made  to  improve  the 
social,  industrial,  mental  and  physical  condition  of 
mortals,  as  the  necessary  foundation  for  true  spiritual 
growth. 

* '  Mental  growth  must  precede  the  spiritual.  Power 
exercised  by  the  mind  over  the  body,  in  moulding 
physical  structure,  multiplies  the  power  of  the  spirit 
acting  on  matter,  again  reacting  on  both  mind  and 
body.  Consciousness,  is  spiritual  life.  To  enlarge 
the  sphere  of  consciousness,  is  to  add  to  spiritual 
growth.  Evolution,  is  nature's  effort  towards  pro 
gression.  The  new  spiritual  era,  which  began  with 
the  last  half  of  the  nineteenth  century,  was  marked 
by  a  dawning  consciousness  in  the  mind  of  man,  that 
he  might  become  a  self-directing  factor  in  his  own 
evolution.  This  consciousness  in  turn,  became  the 
starting  point  of  spiritual  evolution  on  the  mortal 
plane  of  existence.  The  last,  having  been  made 
possible  by  the  first. 

"Reasoning  from  the  premises  stated,  we  must 
logically  conclude  that  the  embodiment  of  more 


SOLARIS  FARM.  439 

mind,  of  better  mind,  is  a  matter  of  the  utmost  im 
portance  to  the  whole  human  race.  As  body  and 
brain  are  working  parts  of  the  mind,  its  machinery 
of  expression;  it  is  equally  important,  that  both 
mind  and  body  should  be  perfected  together.  Hence, 
the  necessity  for  better  social  conditions,  more 
financial  independence,  less  labor,  more  leisure,  long 
er  life  and  larger  brain  capacity  ;  and  finally,  as  the 
crowning  requirement,  to  be  well  born  !  To  banish 
poverty,  is  to  make  these  things  possible. 

"Before  a  proper  conception  of  the  spiritual  world 
can  be  entertained  by  mortals,  their  minds,  by 
the  aid  of  the  sciences,  must  have  acquired  such 
knowledge  of  their  environments,  as  shall  satisfy 
the  requirements  of  spiritual  evolution.  Every  item 
of  real  knowledge  thus  gained,  is  just  so  much  added 
preparation  towards  the  understanding  of  the  spirit 
ual  ;  towards  a  harmonious  interblending,  and  co 
operation  of  the  two  worlds.  In  accordance  with 
the  law  of  progression,  truth,  to  the  ever  changing 
stages  of  consciousness,  is  relative.  In  order  to 
illustrate  the  relativity  of  truth,  and  the  magnitude 
of  the  domain  of  knowledge  in  the  mortal  state, 
which  must  be  conquered  before  consciousness  can 
be  extended  beyond  the  confines  of  the  spiritual; 
let  us  consider  the  following,  somewhat  approximate 
postulates. 

"Let  us  suppose,  that  the  life  of  the  planet,  Earth, 
embraces  all  forms  of  life;  each  individual  life 
pulsating  in  harmony  with  the  great  mother  heart 
of  the  planet. 

"Let  us  suppose,  that  spirits,  both  embodied  and 
disembodied,  incarnate  and  excarnate,  considered  as 
a  mass,  may  act  as  the  terrurgic  spiritual  body  and 
brain  of  the  planet ;  subjective  and  responsive  to 


440  SOLARIS  FARM. 

the  inspiration  and  guidance  of  the  universal  cosmic 
mind,  acting  from  the  cosmic  center. 

"Let  us  suppose,  that  the  material  world,  with 
the  atom  as  its  smallest  unit,  is  the  medium  of 
mortal  existence.  Again,  that  the  impalpable  ether 
of  the  interstellar  spaces,  is  the  medium  of  existence 
for  the  spiritual  world.  And  again,  as  a  measure  of 
the  fineness  of  ether,  that  the  difference  between  an 
ether  particle  and  an  atom,  should  be  as  wide  as  the 
difference  between  the  atom  and  the  planet. 

"Considering  these  posits  as  a  basis  for  comparing 
life  in  the  two  realms,  we  at  once  perceive  that  life, 
organized  to  correspond  with  the  coarse  meshes  of 
the  material  plane  of  existence,  can  be  permeated, 
filled  and  quickened,  by  organized  spiritual  life, 
without  disturbing  the  unity  of  either  organization. 
The  interblending  of  spirit  and  matter,  is  accom 
plished.  The  mystery  of  the  dual  existence  of  soul 
and  body,  is  explained.  The  soul  in  the  body,  yet, 
not  of  the  body  !  The  permanent  and  the  enduring, 
mated  with  the  changing  and  the  ephemeral !  The 
cell  life  of  the  physical,  with  the  soul  life  of  the 
eternal ! 

"In  comparing  the  two  states  of  existence,  the 
physical  with  the  spiritual,  we  find  the  horizon  of 
consciousness  in  the  former,  is  vaguely  defined  and 
very  much  limited ;  while  in  the  latter,  it  is  sharply 
defined  and  widely  extended.  The  more  we  study 
and  compare,  the  more  readily  we  understand,  that 
space,  duration,  size,  minuteness,  solidity  and  po 
rosity,  are  all  relative  terms  which  depend  for  their 
significance  entirely  on  the  standpoint  of  conscious 
ness.  So  apparent  is  this  fact,  that  we  soon  learn 
how  impossible  it  is  for  the  mortal  mind  to  under 
stand,  even  the  more  simple  elements  of  spirit  life, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  441 

until  the  dual  or  spiritual  mind,  with  its  conscious 
ness,  has  grown  and  unfolded  to  the  required  extent. 
Hence,  growth  of  consciousness,  is  growth  of  spirit ; 
the  spirit  which  molds  and  controls  matter. 

"Self-conscious  consciousness,  is  the  immortal 
ego !  As  a  part  of  the  progressive,  all  inclusive, 
spiritual  life  of  the  planet,  it  takes  part  in  the  evo 
lution  and  progression  of  the  mass.  This  mass,  in 
the  fulfillment  of  the  purpose  of  existence,  is  sub 
jective  and  responsive  to  cosmic  law,  and  to  cosmic 
inspiration. 

"In  these  postulates,  we  have  the  key  which  un 
locks  the  mystery  of  life.  We  catch  a  glimpse  of  its 
true  meaning,  purpose,  glory  and  grandeur.  They 
raise  the  theory  and  practice  of  human  progress  to 
a  question  of  the  first  magnitude ;  to  a  science  of 
life,  which  demands  the  attention  of  every  student. 
The  school  of  human  life,  lies  at  the  base  of  the 
curiculum  of  knowledge.  It  becomes  the  foundation 
of  spiritual  progress,  as  well.  Hence,  the  importance 
of  rightly  cultivating  the  mind,  of  extending  its 
consciousness  to  the  uttermost  limits  of  human 
capacity. 

"Selfishness  and  despotism,  are  frowning  barriers 
across  the  pathway  of  human  progress.  They  thrive 
by  war.  War,  is  the  foe  of  spirituality,  the  mother 
of 'murder  !  War  must  be  abolished,  before  man  can 
hope  for  true  spiritual  evolution  !  It  is  the  fortunate 
destiny  of  this  republic,  to  lead  the  race  in  a  crusade 
against  it ;  to  open  the  way  for  its  final  abolition. 
It  is  to  be  the  province  of  the  Crusade  to  teach  the 
people,  that  war  has  been  the  scourge  of  humanity 
since  the  beginning  of  the  historical  era ;  the  greatest 
crime  ever  perpetrated  against  the  sacredness  of 
human  life  !  Peace,  multiplies  the  products  of  labor. 


442  SOLARIS  FARM. 

Labor,  is  the  genius  of  life  !  War,  destroys  the 
laborer  and  his  product.  War  is  the  genius  of  death  ! 
War,  is  a  symbol  of  barbarism  ;  it  is  both  the  throne 
and  the  refuge  of  despotism.  For  the  purpose  of 
maintaining  despotism,  people  for  centuries  have 
been  subjected  to  the  hard  conditions  of  unremitting 
toil,  that  they  might  endure  the  fatigues  of  war 
without  a  murmur.  For  the  same  reason,  despots 
have  kept  the  masses  in  ignorance,  lest  they  should 
discover  the  true  quality  of  justice ;  the  moral  law, 
which  condemns  both  despotism  and  war ;  lest  they 
should  come  to  realize  all  the  horrors  of  the  most 
outrageous  crime  possible  to  the  conception  of  human 
reason ;  the  crime  of  war !  War  is  such  an  over 
whelming  calamity,  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to 
estimate  the  ruin  and  the  destruction  which  it  has 
wrought !  If  the  millions  of  lives  and  the  billions  of 
treasure  spent  in  the  world's  wars,  had  been  em 
ployed  in  protecting  the  people,  in  generating,  rear 
ing,  sustaining  and  developing  them  to  the  highest 
attainable  point,  this  earth  would  now  witness  a 
social  millennium;  where  peace  and  prosperity,  high 
culture  and  harmonious  brotherhood,  would  reign 
supreme ! 

"I  rejoice,  that  I  am  permitted  to  prophesy  its 
downfall !  Long  before  the  close  of  the  twentieth 
century,  standing  armies  will  disappear;  war  will 
be  at  an  end;  the  angel  of  peace  will  spread  her 
white  wings  over  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  !  This 
Crusade,  is  the  beginning  of  the  end !  For  the  en 
couragement  of  our  Crusaders,  I  will  indicate  two 
causes,  acting  from  opposite  directions,  which  will 
serve  to  hasten  war's  dissolution. 

"First:  The  competitive  system,  for  centuries, 
has  been  war's  chief  recruiting  office.  Under  its 


SOLARIS  FARM.  443 

reign,  in  the  fierce  struggle  for  existence,  it  has  kept 
up  a  perpetual  warfare  between  man  and  man ; 
always  the  stronger  against  the  weaker.  When 
vanquished,  the  weaker  as  a  last  resort,  could  and 
did,  enlist  as  a  soldier.  Thanks  to  the  co-operative 
farm,  spread  broadcast  by  the  Crusade ;  the  early 
substitution  of  the  co-operative,  for  the  competitive 
system,  will  make  the  weak  strong;  make  them 
financially  independent !  Soldiering  as  a  trade,  is 
made  possible  by  poverty  !  Whenever  a  people  are 
emancipated  from  the  cringing  slavery  of  want, 
naturally  averse  to  being  slaughtered,  they  will  rise 
enmasse,  and  refuse  to  be  apprenticed  to  the  brutal 
trade  of  killing  their  kind.  Thus  it  will  happen, 
that  armies  will  melt  away  and  disappear,  for  the 
want  of  fighting  men  ! 

"Second :  Strange  as  it  may  appear,  the  inventors 
of  mighty  engines  of  war,  of  terrible  explosives,  of 
deadly  missiles,  each  in  turn,  more  horribly  destruct 
ive  than  the  others ;  are  all  envoys  of  peace ;  that 
sweet  peace,  which  shall  bring  rest,  renewed  energy, 
and  swift  progress,  to  all  classes.  Through  the 
multiplied  and  combined  efforts  of  these  inventors,  the 
bloody  and  barbarous  art  of  war,  is  fast  becoming  so 
suicidal,  and  so  financially  disastrous  to  the  nations 
of  the  earth  who  have  the  misfortune  to  engage  in 
it ;  that  such  as  wish  to  preserve  a  national  exist 
ence,  must  do  so  by  making  haste  to  ally  themselves 
with  the  friends  of  universal  peace,  through  inter 
national  arbitration. 

1  'Under  such  circumstances,  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  ground  between  the  inexorable,  upper  and 
lower  millstones  of  the  first  and  second  cause,  acting 
under  pressure  of  self-preservation,  will,  with  one 
accord,  join  in  covenanting  for  a  total  disarmament, 


444  SOLARIS  FARM. 

and  a  perpetual  peace.     All  hail,  the  glad  day  ! 

"Then,  will  dawn  man's  era  of  true  spiritual  evo 
lution  !  Then,  will  the  true  object  and  purpose  of 
life,  be  understood !  Then,  will  the  sacredness  of 
human  life,  be  rightly  conceived,  appreciated,  main 
tained  and  respected  !  Then,  wholesale  murder,  no 
longer  sanctioned  by  man-made  laws,  it  will  be  pos 
sible  to  banish  the  spirit  of  murder  from  the  life  of 
the  individual !  Then,  the  lesser  crimes,  the  demons 
of  despotic  selfishness,  greed,  cruelty,  and  lust  for 
power,  which  now  clog  progress  and  prevent  the 
realization  of  a  practical  brotherhood  for  humanity, 
can  be  shaken  off  and  rendered  harmless  ! 

"Then,  the  emancipated  legions  of  toilers,  will 
rise  to  a  true  understanding  of  the  blessing  of  labor 
as  the  real  expression  of  life ;  that  the  glory  of 
labor,  is  man's  conquest  over  matter;  that  food, 
shelter,  raiment,  and  sustenance  for  body,  mind  and 
soul,  are  the  essential  elements  of  life;  a  natural 
equipment  for  the  conquest !  Then,  it  will  be  the 
province  of  a  natural  religion  to  teach  the  people 
how  to  help  themselves !  how  to  master  the  great 
problem  of  physical  life,  by  attaining  the  greatest 
perfection  in  feeding,  clothing,  housing,  educating, 
and  spiritualizing  humanity  ! 

"Then,  the  solidarity  of  the  spiritual  welfare  of 
mankind,  will  equal  that  of  the  physical !  Then,  the 
measure  of  spiritual  progress  achieved  by  the  mass, 
will  be  the  measure  of  progress  attained  by  its 
weakest  unit !  Then,  will  come  perfect  co-operation, 
between  the  spiritual  and  the  physical !  Then,  will 
come  the  reign  of  liberty  and  justice,  the  guardian 
spirits  of  a  true  republic !  Then,  will  come  the 
social,  the  industrial,  and  the  spiritual  millennium ! 
Then,  the  barriers  of  selfishness  will  have  been 


SOLARIS  FARM.  445 

burned  away ;  the  two  worlds  will  be  united ;  in  the 
new  atmosphere  of  brotherly  love,  spirit  and  mortal 
may  harmoniously  walk,  talk,  and  work  together 
for  the  perfection  of  the  race  ! 

"Then,  the  great  armies  of  the  world,  no  longer 
in  the  guise  of  organized  barbarism,  or  a  tax  on  the 
industries  of  the  nations,  will  be  converted  into 
armies  of  peace,  engaged  in  the  production  of  real 
wealth  !  Then,  the  heretofore  undreamed  of  store  of 
public  wealth,  will,  in  its  proper  distribution,  give 
to  all  mankind,  the  acme  of  universal  education, 
civilization  and  happiness  !  " 


CONCLUSION. 

Born  leaders  of  a  progressive  age ;  filled  with  the 
inspiration  of 'one  great  purpose  in  life ;  at  all  times, 
equal  to  the  demands  of  the  hour;  hand  in  hand, 
with  hearts  united  by  the  bonds  of  a  supreme  love ; 
nobly  unselfish,  and  spiritually  refined;  generous, 
handsome,  accomplished ;  wealthy,  eloquent  and  mag 
netic  ;  Fillmore  and  Fern,  our  hero  and  heroine,  were 
everywhere  recognized  as  a  commanding  force  in  the 
social  and  political  world.  A  force  which  quickly 
overcame  all  opposing  obstacles.  They  were  so 
much  interested,  and  so  absorbed  in  the  ever  in 
creasing  success  of  the  Crusade,  that  the  happy 
months  and  years  flew  swiftly  by.  Their  devotion 
to  each  other,  was  a  potent  charm  which  begat  in 
the  hearts  of  a  legion  of  admiring  followers,  an 
intense  loyalty  to  them,  and  to  the  banner  of  the 
Crusade,  which  had  led  them  to  so  many  victories  in 
the  cause  of  humanity. 


446  SOLARIS  FARM. 

The  second  decade  of  the  century  was  throbbing 
with  the  birth  of  epoch-making  events.  The  astro 
logical  forces  seemed  in  conjunction  with  planetary 
evolution.  The  time  was  ripe  for  the  incoming  wave 
of  a  new  social  era.  The  spirit  of  progress  was 
brooding  in  the  air;  stirring  in  the  hearts  of  the 
people,  who  hailed  the  Crusaders  as  blessed  evangels 
of  the  new  life,  for  which  they  had  yearned  and 
prayed  so  many  years.  The  gospel  of  the  new  life, 
was  the  gospel  of  co-operative  labor.  The  wonderful 
strength  and  effectiveness  of  the  co-operative  farm 
movement,  to  lift  the  laborer  from  conditions  of 
ignorance  and  poverty,  to  those  of  financial  inde 
pendence,  comfort  and  refinement;  was  practically 
demonstrated,  a  thousand  times  over.  To  the  people, 
each  demonstration  was  an  ever  growing  source  of 
astonishment  and  delight.  The  enthusiasm  aroused, 
burning  with  the  fires  of  a  religious  zeal,  irresistibly 
drew  them  into  the  ranks  of  this  powerful  organiza 
tion.  With  rapidly  increasing  numbers,  it  swept 
over  the  land  with  the  force  and  fury  of  a  great  tidal 
wave  !  In  its  track,  on  the  ruins  of  the  competitive 
system,  there  was  established,  the  reign  of  co 
operative  peace  and  plenty,  the  social  and  political 
millennium. 

Among  the  leaders  of  the  Crusade,  assembled  at 
Washington,  George  and  Gertrude  Gerrish  were 
especially  prominent.  To  them  was  assigned  the 
task  of  organizing  the  lecturing  or  missionary  bureau 
of  the  Crusade ;  its  trained  force  of  traveling  edu 
cators.  The  good  work  accomplished  by  this  force, 
was  another  well  earned  tribute  to  their  extraordinary 
skill  as  organizers.  As  well  fitted  for  the  responsible 
duties;  George  Gay  lord  and  Honora  Eloise  Hough  ton, 
having  become  inseparable  friends,  engaged  lovers, 


SOLARIS  FARM.  447 

and  finally  a  well-mated,  conjugal  couple;  were 
placed  in  charge  of  the  traveling  educators  on  the 
Pacific  Slope.  So  eloquently  and  effectively  did 
they  labor  in  this  wide  field,  that  throughout  its 
length  and  breadth,  they  became  very  popular,  win 
ning  hosts  of  friends  for  themselves  and  the  cause. 

Solaris  Farm  and  village,  the  working  center  of 
the  movement,  soon  doubled  many  times,  its  territory 
and  population.  It  became  an  important  manufac 
turing  center,  which  made  an  ideal  home  for  the 
National  Co-operative  Farm  School ;  a  normal  school, 
which  every  year  graduated  teachers  by  the  score. 
The  history  of  Solaris  as  the  initial  farm  made  it  so 
famous,  that  thousands  of  enthusiastic  co-operators 
annually  vis't  it.  It  is  the  business  of  the  reception 
committee  appointed  by  the  normal  school,  to  re 
ceive,  entertain  and  instruct  these  visitors. 

Gilbert  Gerrish,  true  to  his  arisen  sweetheart,  and 
to  his  own  peculiar  purpose  in  life ;  declined  to  leave 
Solaris,  with  his  parents.  Indeed,  he  was  so  uni 
versally  beloved  by  its  young  people,  that  they  could 
not,  and  would  not  give  him  up !  To  the  visiting 
stranger,  he  seems  by  far  the  most  popular  and  the 
most  highly  honored  young  man  in  the  village.  This 
distinguished  consideration,  he  has  rightfully  and 
honestly  earned.  Happy  himself,  in  generously 
using  his  rare  gifts  for  making  other  people  happy ! 

Thus  endeth  the  story  of  Solaris  Farm.  May  its 
purposes  haunt  the  minds  of  its  readers,  like  the 
memories  of  some  prophetic  dream,  which  may  not 
be  obliterated,  which  can  not  be  forgotten. 


A  FEW  POINTERS  FROM  THE  PEN  OF 
THE  REVIEWER. 

Solaris  Farm  is  the  title  of  a  new  book  "with  a  purpose."  In 
fact  it  is  a  book  with  many  purposes.  While  the  author  writes 
intelligently  and  forcefully  upon  stirpiculture,  education,  inven 
tion,  hygfene,  sanitation,  moral,  physical  and  mental  growth  and 
culture,  and  injects  many  new,  beautiful  and  practical  thoughts 
into  each  of  these  subjects,  his  chief  theme  is  unselfish  co-opera 
tion,  his  chief  purpose  is  to  exhibit  the  benefits,  moral,  phyiscal, 
social  and  financial,  that  will  be  showered  upon  the  human  family 
when  they  become  wise  enough  to  cease  competing  with  each  other, 
and  progressive  enough  to  begin  co-operating. 

The  story  is  the  logical  development  of  the  following  situation  : 

Fern  Fenwick,  an  heiress  to  a  vast  estate,  had  promised  her 
father  before  his  death  to  use  a  good  share  of  the  Fenwick  millions 
in  bettering  the  condition  of  the  race.  Her  first  experiment  is  a 
co-operative  farm  of  about  five  thousand  acres,  whereon  about  two 
hundred  and  fifty  families  settle  and  work  out  the  many  problems 
which  the  author  desires  to  discuss. 

In  all  of  these  operations  she  has  the  able  assistance  of  Fillmore 
Flagg,  a  farmer's  son,  who,  having  seen  his  father  and  dozens  of 
his  old  neighbors  crushed  in  spirit  and  broken  in  fortune  by  the 
resistless  trend  of  events  under  the  competitive  system  with  all 
its  waste  of  misdirected  energy,  has  become  disgusted  with  the 
meager  results  of  farm  work  and  having  by  great  energy  obtained 
a  practical  education  has  determined  to  do  something  for  the  allevi 
ation  of  the  miseries  of  a  competition  crushed  society. 

He  meets  Fern  Fenwick  and  is  by  her  employed  to  superintend 
the  co-operative  farm. 

A  very  pretty  little  love  story,  which  the  author  has  told  with 
pleasant  humor,  is  the  result  of  their  meeting,  but  the  weightier 
themes  with  which  the  book  is  filled  are  likely  to  more  fully  en 
gross  the  attention  of  the  reader. 

Co-operative  ventures  have  usually  been  founded  upon  some 
"  ism,"  and  were  held  together  by  its  religious  or  other  influence. 
In  the  Solaris  Farm  colony  a  very  comprehensive  scheme  of  insur 
ance  against  accident,  poverty,  sickness  and  old  age  is  the  binding 

15 


11 

principle.  The  premium  is  the  profit  which  the  co-operators  col 
lectively  make  by  producing  what  they  want  (or  by  buying  at 
wholesale  what  they  cannot  produce)  and  selling  the  same  to  them 
selves  individually  at  regular  market  rates.  The  excellence  of 
their  wares  attract  many  purchasers  from  the  outside  and  the  profits 
resulting  therefrom  also  tend  to  swell  the  insurance  fund  of  the 
co-operators. 

All  kinds  of  business,  and  manufacturing  are  carried  on  by  the 
co-operators  in  addition  to  farming.  Co-operative  thinking  solves 
the  knottiest  problems  for  the  colony,  invention  flourishes  and, 
once  started,  money  flows  into  their  coffer  at  a  fairly  satisfactory 
rate. 

Co-operation  is  the  key-word,  the  essence,  the  very  soul  of 
Solaris  Farm.  All  the  successes  achieved  by  the  characters  that 
people  the  book  are  the  results  of  co-operative  working,  thinking 
and  saving.  Every  stockholder  lends  a  hand,  and  lo  !  the  hours  of 
labor  are  short  and  delightful  ;  when  a  disagreeable  task  must  be 
done,  co-operative  thinking  invents  a  machine  which  does  the 
work  better  than  a  man  could  do  it ;  the  dignity  of  toil  is  estab 
lished  on  a  sure  foundation,  and  the  statement  that  "muscular 
effort  is  a  mental  demonstration,"  is  verified. 

"  Will  it  pay  ?  "  is  sometimes  called  "  the  American  question." 
In  Solaris  Farm  the  author  has  successfully  undertaken  to  present 
an  unselfishness  that  will  pay — not  in  the  fairy  gold  of  a  far-off 
Heaven,  but  in  the  coin  of  the  realm,  here  and  now.  Leisure 
for  study  and  recreation  ;  books,  pictures,  objects  of  beauty  and 
art ;  better  health  ;  longer  life  ;  the  society  of  delightful  people 
none  of  whom  are  competing  for  the  lion's  share,  but  all  of  whom 
are  co-operating  for  the  benefit  of  the  community  ;  absence  of  the 
fear  of  poverty  ;  certainty  of  support  in  sickness  and  old  age  ; — all 
these  and  thousands  of  other  comforts  are  some  of  the  certain 
wages  of  unselfishness. 

A  feature  of  Solaris  Farm  which  will  commend  itself  to  every 
well-wisher  of  the  race  is  the  high  estimate  which  the  author 
places  on  humanity.  Man,  he  says,  is  the  flower  and  fruit  of  the 
planet,  its  highest  and  best  product.  To  arrive  at  the  highest 
point  possible  in  his  evolution,  it  is  necessary  .  for  him  to  be  well 
born  and  this  necessitates  happy,  healthy,  prosperous  parents  and 
proper  environments.  To  follow  out  this  idea  to  its  logical  con 
clusion  would  be  to  repeat  the  author's  arguments,  for  he  has  com 
pletely  filled  the  field.  The  reader  is  referred  to  the  story  for  the 
facts  proving  that  unselfish  co-operation  will  furnish  everything 


Ill 

needful  for  the  complete  unfoldment  of  the  now  almost  dormant 
possibilities  of  human  nature. 

The  pursuit  of  happiness  and  the  hope  of  its  ultimate  possession 
is  the  motor  which  induces  all  human  endeavor.  No  act  is  ever 
done  except  in  obedience  to  this  law  of  our  nature  which  compels 
us  to  seek  pleasure.  Ignorance  of  the  nature  of  true  pleasure  has 
led  us  after  many  a  will-o'-the-wisp,  and  our  unlearned  race  has 
soiled  its  garments  many  times  in  error,  commonly  called  "  sin." 
"  Sinful  pleasures,"  against  which  our  parents,  the  clergy,  and  all 
moral  philosophers  have  warned  us,  do  not  exist.  There  is  no 
pleasure  in  sin.  Our  race  beliefs,  based  upon  untruth  and  ignor 
ance,  have  bequeathed  us  a  heritage  of  appetites,  passions  and 
desires  which  are  wrong,  and  hurtful  when  gratified. 

Among  the  most  hurtful  of  race  beliefs  is  the  fixed  idea  that 
labor  is  a  curse.  Nothing  could  be  further  from  the  truth.  As 
has  been  aptly  said  :  "  Art  is  the  expression  of  a  man's  joy  in  his 
work."  Labor — muscular  exertion,  having  a  definite  productive 
object — is  a  blessing  and  a  joy  when  the  worker  is  in  love  with  his 
work.  Work  is  a  curse  only  under  the  competitive  system,  which 
by  its  wasteful  methods  extends  the  hours  of  toil  beyond  the  limits 
of  endurance,  robs  the  worker  of  the  full  benefits  of  his  labor  and 
gives  him  no  time  for  self -improvement.  The  experience  of  the 
stockholders  of  Solaris  Farm  shows  how  the  ancient  curse  was 
removed  by  unselfish  co-operation,  and  labor  crowned  with  the 
dignity  that  is  its  due. 

While  Solaris  Farm  was  not  intended  as  a  propaganda  of  spirit 
ualism,  that  cult  has  been  introduced  with  considerable  dramatic 
effect  for  two  apparent  reasons.  The  first  and  least  important  of 
these  reasons  is  to  cater  to  the  ever-growing  taste  of  the  reading 
public  for  the  occult ;  but  the  second  reason  is  peculiar  to  the  book. 
In  discussing  man  as  the  most  valuable  product  of  the  planet,  and 
the  relation  which  the  soul  bears  to  the  body,  it  became  necessary 
to  approach  the  subject  from  the  view-point  of  one  who  is  in  nowise 
affected  by  the  petty  altercations,  jealousies  and  strifes  of  the 
world  ;  one  who  knows  by  experience  all  the  hardships  of  life  and 
its  many  temptations,  but  who  has  also  progressed  beyond  the 
sphere  of  their  influence.  The  most  natural  and  obvious  way  of 
obtaining  this  coveted  point  of  observation  was  to  let  the  spirit  of 
such  a  noble  character  as  Fennimore  Fenwick  speak  from  the  full 
ness  of  his  experience,  both  as  mortal  and  spirit,  of  the  needs  of 
the  race,  the  curse  of  competition, the  value  of  propej-  environmental 
conditions  for  perfect  motherhood,  pre-natal  education  and  ade- 


IV 

quate  training  of  mind  and  body,  such  as  may  not  be  secured  even 
by  the  most  wealthy  in  the  present  condition  of  society,  but  which 
would  be  the  heritage  of  every  individual  in  a  co-operative  com 
munity.  The  utterances  of  Fennimore  Fenwick  rank  with  the  best 
thought  on  these  subjects  and  no  person  can  read  them  without 
having  implanted  in  his  breast  a  higher  regard  for  his  race,  and  a 
greater  solicitude  for  the  material  and  spiritual  unfoldment  of 
humanity. 

For  many  years,  orators  and  agitators  have  vied  with  each  other  in 
proclaiming  that  capital  and  labor  were  the  two  factors  of  financial 
success.  They  were  and  still  are  mistaken.  Within  the  pages  of 
Solaris  Farm  the  reader  is  given  the  true  formula,  which  may  be 
algebraically  stated  thus  :  "  Capital  -f-  Labor  -f-  Brains  =  Financial 
Success."  Financial  Success,  however  is  not  the  complete 
product  of  these  factors  when  selfishness,  greed  and  wasteful 
competition  are  eliminated  from  the  equation  by  the  substitution 
of  unselfish  co-operation.  The  happy  result  of  the  experiment  at 
Solaris  Farm  must  convince  the  reader  of  the  correctness  of  the 
formula  and  the  value  of  the  substitution. 

In  considering  the  broad  field  covered  by  this  attractive  book  ; 
its  wide  departure  from  the  mission  of  the  ordinary  novel,  its  prob 
able  use  as  a  text-book  of  advanced  thought  on  t  ue  socialism, 
progressive  co-operation,  a  new  order  of  political  economy  and  the 
ways  and  means  of  making  colony  life  desirable,  successfully 
coherent,  self-supporting  and  practically  delightful  ;  the  price  of 
Solaris  Farm  (50  cts,  in  paper  covers,  $1.25  in  cloth  binding)  will 
commend  itself  to  the  purchaser  as  not  only  reasonably  moderate, 
but  also  if  he  be  an  interested  reader,  with  business  intentions, 
that  the  large  end  of  the  bargain  is  very  much  in  his  favor. 

Solaris  Farm  was  written  by  Captain  Milan  C.  Edson,  whose 
military  title  was  earned  during  the  great  Civil  War.  He  was  a 
farmer  and  the  son  of  a  farmer.  He  enlisted  as  a  private  soldier 
and  without  influence  rose  to  a  captaincy  by  merit  and  bravery 
alone.  He  is  a  profound  thinker,  a  lover  of  his  race  and  has  given 
many  years  to  the  study  of  social  and  political  questions.  It  has 
been  his  desire  to  found  a  community  where  his  ideas  of  true  suc 
cess  might  be  wrought  out,  as  an  object  lesson  to  the  world,  of  the 
advantages  of  unselfishness.  This  pleasure  having  been  denied 
him,  he  has  incorporated  his  leading  ideas  in  Solaris  Farm,  in  the 
hope  that  some  one  more  fortunate  than  himself  may  be  able  to 
receive  the  blessings  which  must  inevitably  flow  from  such  a  noble 
life. 


' 


RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 


This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 
Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


fNTERLJBF 


ARY  LOAN 


o 


•»?&• 


<KUF.,  BERK. 


LD  21-32m-3,'74 
(R7057slO)476 — A-32 


General  7 
University  o 
Berkv.. 


30 


Tb   4D4VJ 


